On the morning of August 10, people across western Colombia went about their normal routine. Families ate breakfast, workers headed to their jobs, and people sipped their morning coffee, unaware that within moments, their lives would dramatically change. Then the earth suddenly began to tremble. Windows rattled. Furniture shifted. Realizing something was terribly wrong, people rushed into the streets as buildings shook and debris fell around them, trapping some of them beneath the rubble.
The force of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, the strongest this South American country has seen in decades, flattened buildings and trapped some people under tons of rubble. Hundreds are killed. Thousands more are injured and displaced. Rescue workers and civilians spent many frantic hours trying to rescue people from layers of wreckage.
Thirty-two-year-old Antonella1 was among those trapped. She spent 36 terrifying hours beneath a collapsed building. Rescue crews worked for ten hours, carefully removing debris piece by piece to reach her without causing further collapse.2
In another apartment, neighbors heard a woman crying for help beneath the rubble. They began digging with their bare hands, desperate to reach her. The woman was rescued after having been trapped approximately nine hours. Tragically, she died while being transported to the clinic.2
Luis, a Christian father told our contact, “Before the earthquake, as I was leaving, God put it on my heart to pray. I prayed and asked Him to protect my family, my children, my grandchildren, and me. Only five minutes after I had finished praying, the earthquake struck. When I returned to my home, I found my children safe, my wife safe, and my grandchildren safe. Everyone was well.” Luis’ house had collapsed, and all that was left was a heap of rubble. But Luis told our contact, “God protected my family and protected me.”
Luis continued, “What we are going through is very hard. It is extremely difficult to see your home destroyed and to have to sleep outside on the street. It is very hard. But God knows what he is doing.”
At least 50 hospitals across the region have suffered severe damage. Power, water, oxygen, medical supplies, and transport have been disrupted. For many families, even homes that remain standing cannot be considered safe. People are sleeping outside for fear of the roof collapsing over their heads.
Adding to the fight for life, recent heavy rains have made conditions more desperate. Mosquitos carrying dengue multiply in pools of excess surface water.
How can we help?
In the midst of the rubble, fear, and uncertainty, is an opportunity to share the love of Jesus. We are working with trusted contacts in the region to help people affected by this tragedy. CAM staff members are connecting with contacts and researching needs. We anticipate providing mattresses, blankets, sheet sets, Bibles, Bible story books, and other aid. Our prayer is that physical aid will reveal the greater gift of God’s love to the people of Colombia. We want to give you, our supporters, the opportunity to join in our efforts.