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Samaritan’s Purse

Samaritan’s Purse Is Rushing Relief to Earthquake-Devastated Colombia

Our 767 departed on August 13th, carrying many tonnes of relief to western Colombia, where a magnitude 7.4 earthquake left hundreds dead and destroyed more than 1,000 homes.

Samaritan’s Purse has airlifted 100,000 pounds of relief to Colombia to assist families after a powerful earthquake that struck in the western part of the country, killing hundreds of people. The magnitude 7.4 temblor destroyed at least 1,600 homes and damaged thousands more. Many grieving families have lost their homes and people are living in makeshift shelters as rescue teams continue searching through the rubble for survivors.

Our 767 aircraft departed the Samaritan’s Purse Airlift Response Centre on August 13, loaded with shelter supplies, solar lights, and hygiene kits.

“All of us were shocked to see the news and videos of the powerful earthquake in Colombia,” said Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham. “Samaritan’s Purse has worked in Colombia for many years and has three field offices in different areas there. I encourage you to pray for the people of this country. Many have died. People are sleeping on the streets in fear because of the strong aftershocks.”

These supplies will help thousands of Colombians who've been living outside. Many homes were destroyed in the region.

Residents in Bogota, roughly 150 miles east of the epicenter, could feel the effects as downtown buildings swayed. It is the strongest earthquake centered in Colombia in nearly five decades. The destruction stretched across western Colombia, hitting the coffee-growing region especially hard. This area includes the cities of Pereira and Manizales. Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, and Quibdo, the capital of Choco, also sustained significant damage. Rescue crews continue to search for survivors beneath co

Residents in Bogota, roughly 150 miles east of the epicentre, could feel the effects as downtown buildings swayed. It is the strongest earthquake centred in Colombia in nearly five decades.

The destruction stretched across western Colombia, hitting the coffee-growing region especially hard. This area includes the cities of Pereira and Manizales. Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, and Quibdo, the capital of Choco, also sustained significant damage. Rescue crews continue to search for survivors beneath collapsed buildings.

Damaged roads, communications outages, and difficult terrain have complicated efforts to reach communities in remote parts of Choco, a region of rugged mountains, dense rainforest, and river valleys.

Please pray as we respond. Ask God to guide emergency responders and protect the many survivors who are suffering. Pray also that He would comfort grieving families and that they would experience the hope of His presence in their lives.

 

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