How is ActionAid supporting people impacted by the Colombia earthquake?
ActionAid has activated an emergency appeal across our global federation, to raise urgently needed funds to support our team in Colombia, who are working with communities and local partners to understand where needs are greatest and preparing a locally led response.
Aftershocks, damaged roads and airports, disrupted communications, mountainous terrain and heavy seasonal rain may make it harder to reach some of the worst-affected communities quickly. Ensuring safe and sustained humanitarian access is critical as the response develops, which is why ActionAid is working with partners already present in the region.
ActionAid also works with local communities to ensure the emergency response is tailored to meet their needs and will adapt the response as we learn more.
People whose homes have been destroyed or are no longer safe are likely to need emergency shelter, clean water, food, medical care, sanitation, protection and cash support. When you donate to the Colombia Earthquake Emergency Appeal, you are helping us deliver this urgent relief.
DONATE TO ACTIONAID’S COLOMBIA EARTHQUAKE APPEAL
Why ActionAid has a focus on women and girls
ActionAid is a global women’s rights organisation working with women on the frontlines of injustice – including the climate crisis, conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies.
We know from many decades of work in disaster relief that earthquake in Colombia will not affect everyone in the same way. Existing inequalities shape who can access information, transport, money, safe shelter, health care and decision-making, while displacement and the loss of homes can heighten protection risks.
In times of crisis existing inequalities are deepened. Women and girls can face increased care work, loss of income, and reduced access to shelter, lighting, and essential medical services, which puts their safety at risk.
A response is more effective and accountable when women and young people have resources and power to shape it. What’s more, in any emergency, women-led organisations are often first responders who use their detailed knowledge of their communities to ensure no one is left behind.
This is why ActionAid puts women at the centre of an emergency response. Together with ActionAid Colombia’s local partners, we will work to ensure women and girls have the safety, dignity and support they need – not only to survive this emergency, but to help their communities recover and rebuild.
ActionAid’s long history working in Colombia
ActionAid has been working in Colombia since 1998, across the departments of Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, and Nariño to deliver development and humanitarian assistance to communities in need.
Our integrated humanitarian, development, and early recovery programs reach 100,000 people annually. Since 2020, ActionAid Colombia has supported 474,529 people across all programme areas.
ActionAid existing presence in Colombia means we can reach communities quickly with urgent relief, such as emergency shelter, clean water, food, medical care, sanitation, protection and cash support. Donate to the Colombia Earthquake Emergency Appeal to help us scale up the emergency response and reach more people in need.