Miramar mobilizes relief drive for families affected by 7.4-magnitude Colombia earthquake
Key Points(5)
- The City of Miramar is mobilizing residents, businesses and community organizations to support families affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday, Aug.
- The earthquake was centered near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, about 250 miles west of Bogotá.
- The powerful quake caused significant damage across parts of western Colombia, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales.
- Preliminary reports indicate deaths and injuries, along with collapsed buildings, damaged homes and displaced families.
- The earthquake also disrupted electricity, water, health care and telephone services in affected areas.
The City of Miramar is mobilizing residents, businesses and community organizations to support families affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday, Aug. 10.
The earthquake was centered near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, about 250 miles west of Bogotá. The powerful quake caused significant damage across parts of western Colombia, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales.
Preliminary reports indicate deaths and injuries, along with collapsed buildings, damaged homes and displaced families. The earthquake also disrupted electricity, water, health care and telephone services in affected areas.
Colombia has declared a national emergency and deployed military and police personnel, engineers, rescue workers and search dogs as search-and-rescue operations continue.
In response, Miramar is calling on residents, businesses, faith-based organizations and community partners to donate essential supplies to help those affected by the disaster.
The city has again partnered with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), an international disaster relief organization that will oversee the transportation and direct distribution of donated supplies to communities impacted by the earthquake.
Officials are requesting nonperishable food, bottled water and emergency supplies, including batteries, blankets and first aid kits. Hygiene products and new shelter supplies, such as tents, tarps and sleeping bags, are also needed.
GEM is not accepting clothing, shoes, linens or similar items.
Donations are being accepted 24 hours a day at the following Miramar locations until a closing date is announced:
- Miramar Police Headquarters, 11765 City Hall Promenade
- Fire Station 19, 6700 Miramar Parkway
- Fire Station 70, 9001 Miramar Parkway
- Fire Station 107, 11811 Miramar Parkway
- Fire Station 84, 14801 SW 27th Street
- Fire Station 100, 2800 SW 184th Avenue
The city said the relief effort reflects Miramar’s close ties to the Colombian community and aims to help deliver critical supplies to families as quickly as possible.
Miramar will also continue its separate collection of relief supplies for people affected by the crisis in Venezuela at the same donation sites.
City officials are encouraging residents to contribute whatever they can, saying every donation can help provide essential support and hope to families beginning the recovery process following the devastating earthquake.
