In the hours after Monday’s earthquake in Colombia, the focus was on finding people who may still be trapped and getting critical medical supplies to those who need them.
Santa Barbara-based Direct Relief, a humanitarian organization active in all 50 states and more than 90 countries, provides medical resources to people affected by poverty and emergencies.
“We’re hearing that there are many buildings collapsed, people are still stuck in the rubble,” said Brea Burkholz, Direct Relief Communications Director. “Search and rescue is really important at this point in the response, making sure medical teams have the supplies they need.”
Direct Relief says medical supplies are among the most immediate needs following the earthquake.
"Equipment, medicines, the basics as well, antibiotics, chronic care disease medicine like hypertension,” said Erick Molina, Regional Director for Latin America at Direct Relief.
Molina said some residents were forced to leave their homes quickly because buildings were damaged or unsafe to enter.
Direct Relief’s longstanding partners on the ground are also playing a key role, allowing aid to be mobilized quickly in the aftermath.
“We’ve been working with these partners before the earthquake, so on many occasions when emergencies happen, it’s not just us sending product there, but there’s already stuff there that our partners can quickly access and mobilize,” Molina said.
The nonprofit is also providing financial support to an organization on the ground that provides medical care and emergency services to people in remote and underserved communities.
“We will be donating a $50,000 grant to Patrulla Aérea Civil Colombiana. They are one of our longtime partners in Colombia,” Molina said.
People who want to support Direct Relief’s emergency response can donate here.
