On August 10, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia. It was the largest earthquake the country has seen in more than a decade, according to the Colombian Geological Survey. Some of the hardest hit areas from the quake overlap with Indigenous and local afro-descendant communities that the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) has partnered with over many years.
Thousands of people across dozens of Indigenous reserves and afro-descendant communities were potentially impacted, according to mapping we have done of the earthquake area. We’ve also heard directly from our friends, colleagues and partners in these regions that families have lost homes and schools, community infrastructure has been damaged, access to clean water and essential supplies has been disrupted, and many people are now facing an uncertain future.
These are some of the poorest parts of Colombia, with little to no state presence or health infrastructure, so the earthquake response by authorities will be slow to reach them. The Amazon Conservation Team is stepping up to help, and ACT in Colombia shared the following statement about next steps:
“There are moments when silence is not absence.
It is listening.
As Colombia faces the aftermath of the earthquake, there are remote territories where everything takes longer to arrive.
We are working to mobilize our emergency funds and support Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendant communities affected by the earthquake.
Listening first. And helping ensure that aid reaches communities with respect, cultural relevance, and dignity.”
How to Support Colombia
We have launched an emergency relief fund to provide immediate support where it is needed most. As we have always done, we will listen and respond to the unique needs of each community and situation specifically. Your contribution will help deliver things like:
- Emergency food and clean water
- Medical supplies and healthcare access
- Transportation and logistics for relief efforts
- Community-led recovery and rebuilding initiatives
This is not the first time that the Amazon Conservation Team has mobilized in the face of disaster. “Just like we did during COVID where our staff became first responders, and with the avalanche in Mocoa, we are prepared to get to work,” said ACT co-founder Liliana Madrigal.
Every dollar raised will go directly toward supporting these communities as they navigate both immediate needs and long-term recovery. Because we are on the ground with our partners, we will be able to report back about the work being done as communities begin to heal and rebuild.
