Humanitarian crisis in Pereira: Rains intensify the drama after the earthquake in Colombia
The city of Pereira, one of the areas hardest hit by the recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook Colombia, is facing a new emergency. Heavy rainfall recorded last Sunday night has worsened the precarious conditions of thousands of families who lost their homes and remain in makeshift shelters.
Olaya Herrera Park, which has become one of the main refuge points, was the scene of a critical day. The tents provided by local authorities proved insufficient in the face of the storm, forcing the victims to cover their meager belongings with plastic to protect them from the humidity. The ground, completely waterlogged, has hindered the rest and health of the citizens who are awaiting an urgent housing response.
Impacts on health infrastructure
The storm also left consequences on the city’s critical infrastructure. The San Jorge University Hospital in Pereira reported flooding in its facilities. Various audiovisual records have evidenced the presence of leaks and damage to the piping system of this healthcare center, although authorities are still evaluating the full extent of the damage caused by the water.
Assessment of the national tragedy
The impact of the earthquake, which occurred on August 10th, has left a devastating mark on Colombian territory. According to the updated figures from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), the national toll amounts to:
- 287 deceased people.
- 4,147 injured citizens.
- 194 people reported missing.
In the specific case of Pereira, the preliminary report accounted for 94 fatalities, 259 injured, and nearly 140,000 affected people, belonging to about 41,600 families as of Friday. While assistance efforts continue, the priority of relief agencies is focused on protecting the vulnerable population in the face of the climatic instability that persists in the region.
