Humanitarian crisis in Chocó: indigenous communities call for help after earthquake
Following the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook much of the Colombian territory this Monday, the indigenous peoples settled in the western mountain range and the lower basin of the Baudó River, in the department of Chocó, find themselves in a critical situation. One day after the catastrophe, these communities have launched an urgent plea to receive immediate humanitarian assistance to mitigate the impact of the tragedy.
An emergency call
The Traditional Indigenous Authorities of Colombia have issued an official statement requesting state and relief agency intervention. The organization emphasizes the need to prioritize the municipalities most affected by the seismic movement, which had its epicenter precisely in the Chocó region.
As a national indigenous organization that accompanies and represents communities in different regions of the country, especially in the department of Chocó, we make an urgent call to manage and guarantee immediate humanitarian aid for the affected communities.
Traditional Indigenous Authorities of Colombia
Critical zones and communication barriers
The situation is particularly serious in the following areas:
- San Juan Littoral, on the border between Chocó and Valle del Cauca.
- Alto Baudó.
- Bajo San Juan.
- San José del Palmar, the point where the earthquake’s epicenter was located.
Rescue and assistance efforts have been hindered by severe connectivity difficulties. Geographical isolation, coupled with the precarious communication infrastructure in the Chocó jungle, has prevented emergency teams from reaching the most remote areas with the required speed, where residents have reported scenes of panic during the moments of greatest intensity of the seismic movement.
Casualty toll
The impact of the earthquake has left a devastating mark on the country. Although regional authorities have reported a figure close to 240 deaths, the Colombian president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has confirmed 188 fatalities so far. As search teams continue their work, the focus is on saving lives and ensuring basic supplies for those affected in the jungle areas of Chocó.
