Charity to offer emergency help after earthquake

Emergency aid is to be sent to Colombia by Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in response to the earthquake that has devastated parts of the country. 

Within 36 hours of the 7.4 quake that struck during the morning rush hour yesterday (Monday), ACN agreed to provide funding to assist immediate needs.

The charity has opened an appeal for funds and for prayer amid reports of widespread suffering across vast swathes of the country. 

ACN (Colombia) Executive Director Maria Ines said: “We must show our solidarity without delay. 
“Firstly, I invite you to join us in prayer for the victims, their families and all those affected. 
“Secondly, I ask you to take action. Join our emergency campaign today to provide urgent assistance to these communities.”

Initial ACN reports from dioceses in Chocó Province, close to the epicentre of the earthquake, described “widespread damage” to parishes.

Several neighbouring regions, including Cali, Pereira and Manizales cities, have also been “severely affected”, according to ACN sources. 

Latest reports state that more than 130 died and at least 500 injured in the quake and a state of emergency has been declared. A curfew was imposed. 

Airports have shut and schools were closed across many parts of the country. 

The quake was felt right across the country, as well as in neighbouring Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama.

It comes less than two months after twin earthquakes devastated parts of Venezuela, where again ACN provided emergency assistance. 

This is now being followed up with further aid providing trauma counselling, support for Sisters offering practical support and development of plans to rebuild damaged churches, parishes centres and other structures. 

A team from ACN is now in Venezuela carrying out fact-finding and project assessment.