Red Cross requests $30 million for Colombia earthquake relief

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched a $30 million (25 million Swiss francs) emergency appeal to support the Colombian Red Cross following a major earthquake in western Colombia.

The funds are intended to strengthen local response capacities and provide aid to approximately 24,000 people over the next 24 months. Prior to this appeal, the IFRC released $1.2 million from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to assist immediate efforts.

According to IFRC Americas Regional Director Loyce Pace, the operation has reached a critical stage as local teams work continuously. Initial humanitarian efforts will prioritize the departments of Chocó, Risaralda, Caldas, and Valle del Cauca, where needs are most acute.