Chocó faces an emergency after the earthquake and ACN mobilizes aid with the Church for vulnerable communities

The emergency caused by the earthquake that affected western Colombia persists in several communities in Chocó, where the damage to homes adds to mobility issues and the lack of adequate conditions to stay in them. To support the affected populations, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Colombia strengthened its response in the dioceses of Quibdó, Istmina-Tadó, and Buenaventura.

A team from the organization toured the affected areas to closely understand the impact of the earthquake, listen to the families, and determine the main needs of the communities and ecclesiastical institutions. The visit allowed for the verification that some properties show few visible damages, although they have internal issues. At the same time, several families remain in homes that do not offer habitable conditions because they lack alternatives to relocate.

Official figures reflect the extent of the damage. According to data from the Chocó Governorate cited by ACN, the earthquake left 13 fatalities, 310 injured, and more than 43,000 people affected. Regarding the homes, 3,128 were destroyed and more than 19,000 were damaged. The emergency also reached ten vehicular bridges, affecting the routes of movement and the distribution of aid.

The response to the emergency is also articulated from the ecclesial communities. Parishes, temples, halls, convents, and residences of the clergy serve as collection points and places for distributing aid. There, young people, women, religious, and prayer groups have joined the tasks of organizing, receiving, and delivering food to the affected families.

The Church's response has also involved the direct participation of its pastors. Monsignor Mario de Jesús Álvarez, bishop of Istmina-Tadó, joined in unloading eight tons of food destined for the affected communities, despite being in recovery after surgery. “We must help, we do this together,” he said, highlighting the solidarity that supports these actions.

ACN coordinates with the bishops of the affected dioceses to identify needs and distribute aid through the local Church. In this first phase, the priority is to address the emergency and ensure the support of priests and religious who continue to accompany the communities.

The ecclesial organization warns that the recovery will be a broader process and estimates that the reconstruction of the visited areas could require around one million euros. Part of these resources will allow for the recovery of the structures from which the Church provides its pastoral and social service.

Given the magnitude of the emergency, ACN Colombia made a call for solidarity from Colombians through its aid campaign. Donations will be channeled to the dioceses of Quibdó, Istmina-Tadó, and Buenaventura, which will be responsible for identifying and assisting the individuals and communities with the greatest needs.



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