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WASHINGTON -- The devastation caused by the January 25 earthquake in
Colombia's coffee-growing region surpasses early estimates, says that
country's envoy here.
Parts of the stricken area may not be rebuilt for 10 years, he said.
About 1,000 persons have died and another 4,500 have been injured,
according to the latest assessment. An estimated 650 people died in
the city of Armenia and 110 in Calarca. About 200,000 families have
been at least somewhat affected by the quake, with 25,000 to 35,000
seriously affected through heavily damaged homes and badly damaged
coffee crops, said Colombian ambassador to the United States Luis
Alfredo.
The 200,000 need more medicine and food, and food stocks are expected
to be critically for about three months, he told reporters at the Pan
American Health Organization February 4.
U.S. assistance through the Agency for International Development
(USAID) began distribution to damaged areas of Colombia January 29.
About 8,400 humanitarian food packages, 8,000 blankets, and 50 rolls
of sheeting for shelter from the rain were among the first air
shipments to arrive.
The embassy has opened an account for earthquake disaster relief at
the Riggs National Bank of Washington. Donations can be deposited to
account number 17247894 and checks should be made payable to Embassy
of Colombia Earthquake Solidarity Fund, routing number 054000030.
Source: Washington File
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Enrique Gili
Hispanic American Village
enrique@minorities-jb.com
http://www.minorities-jb.com/hispanic.htm