Note: The following appeal is now closed. You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross
More than 31,000 people have been affected by extensive flooding in Colombia. Over 100 schools and 1,400 houses were damaged, and 1,125 houses were destroyed in Nariño, one of the worst impacted areas in the country.
“The needs are essential household items such as jerry cans, kitchen kits, family hygiene kits, mattresses, bed sheets, mosquito nets and shelter materials,” says Canadian Jean-Pierre Taschereau, the operations coordinator for the Red Cross Pan American Disaster Response Unit.
The Colombian Red Cross Society responded immediately providing coordination of relief efforts, damage evaluation, needs assessments and initial assistance to the affected population. Ten tonnes of relief aid has been provided and Red Cross volunteers are managing 13 emergency shelters.
The Canadian Red Cross has provided 1,500 mosquito nets from pre-positioned stocks in Panama and will continue to provide financial support, personnel and supplies as needed.
Canadians wishing to help support the Red Cross Columbia floods response are encouraged to contribute by calling 1-800-418-1111 or contacting their local Red Cross office. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “Colombia Floods” and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 400 Cooper Street, Suite 8000, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2H8.