“More damage than one could imagine” – bishops describe earthquake devastation

The scale of the destruction caused by Colombia’s earthquake has been laid bare by Church leaders struggling to provide hope after entire communities were made homeless by the natural disaster.

Speaking to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) – which has an office in the capital, Bogotá – bishops described grappling with a humanitarian crisis amid reports of nearly 300 dead, almost 4,000 injured and many thousands made homeless.

Speaking to ACN, Bishop Mario de Jesús Álvarez Gómez of Istmina-Tadó described travelling around his diocese to assess the needs.

He told the charity: “The situation is terrible, there is much more damage than one could imagine.”

Bishop Álvarez added: “It was a very strong and prolonged earthquake… We have recorded material damage – the roofs of several churches collapsed, though fortunately, there were no services taking place at the time.”

He said diocesan representatives are completing a full assessment of the affected areas: “For now, we are continuing to assess the needs.”

Meanwhile Bishop Winston Mosquera of Quibdó, told ACN: “The hospitals are overwhelmed.”

With more than 84 hospitals in west Colombia having reported damage, pressure on those not hit by the earthquake has increased.

Their comments come after Archbishop José Miguel Gómez Rodríguez of Manizale told Vatican journalists: “What remains in the soul immediately after such an event is the desire that those who suffer in their bodies, their possessions, or their families receive immediate assistance. There is so much suffering.”

Within 36 hours of the 7.4 quake hitting Colombia on Monday (10th August), ACN announced an emergency appeal to provide emergency and pastoral support through the Church.

Bishops quickly opened Church buildings for those made homeless by the catastrophe, providing shelter and spiritual support.

A team from Aid to the Church in Need (Colombia), headed by executive director María Inés Espinosa Calle, is visiting Quidbó, Istmina-Tadó and Buenaventura dioceses to explore ways of supporting the Church’s outreach.