Karol Darmoros, Stefano Leszczynski, Artur Hanula
Strongest tremors in years
The epicenter of Monday’s earthquake was located in the region of San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, and its depth was 103 km, the Colombian Geological Service reported. The tremors were felt across a large part of the country, including Bogotá, as well as in Panama and Venezuela. A series of aftershocks were recorded following the main quake.
Search under the rubble
Rescuers are searching collapsed buildings for survivors. According to current data, more than 1,600 buildings have been damaged, and at least 61 have completely collapsed. The situation is particularly difficult in the Chocó department, where some towns are located in hard-to-reach areas, and the earthquake damaged infrastructure and disrupted communications.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a nationwide state of emergency. “The first priority is to rescue people trapped under the rubble,” he said. He also assured that the government has mobilized all available resources to protect lives, help affected communities, and deliver aid where it is needed.
Churches also affected
Severe damage was reported in Manizales, where residential buildings, hospitals, schools, and churches were affected. One of the cathedral’s towers collapsed, falling onto part of the church. Damage was also reported in Cali, where rescue services are searching the ruins of buildings.
The earthquake also disrupted transportation. Aviation authorities suspended operations at six airports in western Colombia – in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura – to inspect the condition of runways, terminals, and other infrastructure.
The first declarations of international aid are arriving in Colombia. Authorities emphasize that the full scale of the destruction will only be known once rescue teams reach all the towns closest to the epicenter.
Appeal by the bishops
The Episcopal Conference of Colombia expresses its closeness to the communities affected by the earthquake and calls on Colombians to respond with generosity and solidarity. The bishops are accompanying the affected communities and coordinating relief efforts.
In a message addressed to the people of Colombia, the Presidency of the Episcopal Conference assured prayers for those who lost their lives, the missing, the injured, and the affected families. Special prayers were offered for rescue services, authorities, medical personnel, volunteers, civil servants, security forces personnel, and everyone involved in search, rescue, and relief operations.
The bishops noted that a crisis of this scale can only be overcome together, not individually. It requires Colombia to recognize itself as a single family and respond to suffering with generosity, responsibility, and solidarity. The statement also announced that the Church will provide information on ways and channels for delivering aid.
The Church’s efforts also include meeting the basic needs of affected families. The Food Bank in Buenaventura was affected by the disaster, and an assessment of its condition is currently underway. Consequently, a temporary collection point has been set up. In Bogotá, the Food Bank launched an emergency humanitarian aid campaign. The network of Food Banks from other cities has also joined this humanitarian and pastoral mission. Meanwhile, the Secretariat of Social Pastoral Care – Caritas Colombia has activated the National Crisis Relief Service to raise funds for direct aid to the dioceses and communities most affected by this tragedy.
The Church accompanies, serves, and sustains hope
Although the effects of the earthquake have also damaged numerous churches and ecclesiastical buildings in various parts of the country, the bishops emphasize that the priority is to accompany people and respond to their most urgent needs.
In its message to the Colombian nation, the Episcopal Conference entrusted the country to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and asked her to accompany the affected communities and teach Colombians to remain united, care for one another, and maintain hope even in the face of adversity.
The message of the Episcopal Conference concludes with words that summarize the Church’s stance toward this crisis situation: “To all those affected, we offer the gift of our prayer, our closeness, and our solidarity.”
