𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗙 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲

SCIAF has launched an emergency appeal to support communities affected by the powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia.

The earthquake struck the remote Chocó region, where SCIAF has active projects. At least 224 people have been killed and more than 2,600 injured, while around 1,100 homes are believed to have been destroyed and a further 8,000 damaged.

Health centres, schools and community buildings have also been affected. With communications disrupted and thousands of people still missing, these figures are expected to rise as news reaches authorities from the most remote communities.

SCIAF has worked in Colombia since the 1980s and has immediately released £10,000 from its emergency funds to help local partners respond.

Geraldine Hill, SCIAF’s Programme Officer for Colombia, said: “It’s heart-breaking to see communities in Chocó bear the brunt of this latest earthquake. These communities are already very poor and live surrounded by violence; the earthquake is just the latest challenge to confront them.

“Our local Caritas partners are already there, working tirelessly to provide emergency relief where it’s needed most. Please support this response through SCIAF’s appeal.”

To support SCIAF’s Colombia Earthquake Appeal, please visit sciaf.org.uk/colombia-earthquake or call 0141 354 5555.

Please keep all those affected, those awaiting news of loved ones and the emergency teams responding to this tragedy in your prayers.