Colombians need our support  

Another devastating earthquake has struck South America. Colombians need our help this time.  

Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) is accepting donations for those affected by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, at 7:34 a.m.   

The powerful earthquake left hundreds either killed or missing, thousands injured, as well as toppled buildings and destroyed homes, hospitals and schools. It happened nearly two months after neighbouring Venezuela was devastated by back-to-back earthquakes.   

The cities of Pereira, Cali, Quibdó, Manizales, and Armenia were put on red alert due to the extent of the damage. The earthquake has affected 120,000 families; nearly 27,000 homes were destroyed, and more than 127,557 were damaged, according to government statistics.  

CJI has been in regular communication with its partners, and initial reports indicate severe devastation in rural areas, including Chocó, Valle del Cauca, and Risaralda. Jesuit Refugee Service Colombia will focus its efforts in Buenaventura, where it has a team that has been helping displaced populations.  

Jesuit-led Fe y Alegría Colombia reported low to moderate impact levels in most of their schools, except those in Pereira, which were severely damaged. 

Jesuit institutions and organizations in the affected areas are responding according to their presence and capacity, with efforts being coordinated by the Jesuit Colombian Province. However, this is a tragedy that exceeds the capacity of all institutions, making it important to provide support from all fronts to help mitigate it. 

Your donation will help CJI Jesuit partners in Colombia to provide families affected by the disaster with safe water, emergency supplies, and other lifesaving assistance. Funds will also be needed for recovery and reconstruction efforts.