Colombia earthquake: Damaged roads, communications complicating relief efforts, says IFRC official

Massive 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Colombia [0:00]

• A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake, the strongest in a decade, has hit Colombia.
• The death toll has rapidly climbed to 111 within half a day.
• The quake's epicenter was in the Choco region, with Risaralda also heavily affected.

  "The strongest to hit the country in a decade."

National Emergency Declared Amidst Crisis [0:25]

• This is the first major crisis for the new president, Abelardo de la Espriera.
• A national emergency has been declared to expedite funds for recovery operations.
• The government has deployed all capacities to protect lives and assist affected communities.

  "El gobierno nacional mantiene desplegadas todas sus capacidades para proteger la vida, atender a las comunidades afectadas y llevar ayuda a cada territorio que se necesite."

Widespread Devastation and Rescue Efforts [0:47]

• The earthquake, at 110 kilometers deep, was felt across Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama.
• Videos show the moment of impact, with significant damage reported, including at Pereira Airport where flights were suspended.
• In Cali, rescuers are searching through rubble for survivors, and Colombia's tallest cathedral lost a tower.

  "In the third largest city of Cali, rescuers shouted in to rubble to try to get a response from any survivors."

International and Regional Support Mobilized [1:23]

• The U.S. has announced an emergency aid package of $15.5 million for shelters, food, and assessments.
• The European Union is offering support, including satellite services via Copernicus for rescue operations.
• Latin American neighbors, including Venezuela, have also offered search and rescue and medical assistance.

  "The U.S. announcing an emergency aid package worth $15.5 million."

Red Cross Operations and Urgent Needs [2:01]

• Edwin Armenta, Operations Manager at the IFRC Bogota, reports over six departments and 62 municipalities affected.
• More than 120 people are confirmed dead, with around 197 injured.
• Colombia Red Cross teams are on the ground, deploying urban search and rescue teams to the most affected areas.

  "As you mentioned, more than 120 people have been dead and around 197 people are injured and right now the Colombia Red Cross team are on the ground trying to reach people more affected in different areas."

Shelter, Water, and Communication Challenges [3:05]

• Urgent needs include shelter for over 1,000 affected households, with many sleeping on the streets.
• Water and sanitation activities are critical, with a need for safe water provision.
• Communication is a major challenge, as internet connections are down in many affected municipalities, hindering contact with relatives.

  "Right now we have information about needs in shelter because there are more than 1,000 households that have been affected."

Resource Deployment and Information Gaps [4:10]

• Colombian government and Red Cross have deployed national capacities, but more support may be needed.
• Limited information is available due to communication difficulties, complicating assessments for international aid.
• Roads and airports are affected, impacting the delivery of essential items like food.

  "So far the information is very limited because in some municipalities, the internet connection is very difficult."

Anticipating Future Humanitarian Challenges [5:08]

• In the coming days, needs for temporary shelter and potential relocation of families are anticipated.
• Health services, including first aid and medical attention, may become more critical as services are also affected.
• Promotion of hygiene, provision of safe water, and assistance in locating missing relatives are ongoing concerns.

  "Probably in the coming days, we have to face some needs regarding shelter, for example, some location to support families to live, for example, in some temporary shelters, or even with relative, other kinds of services that are in other cities, for example."