OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Community leaders in Central Florida are spearheading efforts to provide supplies to Colombia in the wake of a deadly earthquake that struck the region Monday.
The 7.4 magnitude quake killed more than 200 people and leveled dozens of buildings. Thousands of people are still unaccounted for. Arley Avila, president of the Colombia-American Chamber of Commerce in Orlando quickly mobilized his network to help the earthquake-ravaged country.
“Right now, what the people need is food, water, clothing, food, especially for babies and the elder,” Avila said. “So that’s what we’re trying to get right now.”
Organizers have been in direct communication with people in Colombia. Stephanie Schutt, a delegate to the newly elected President, lives in Central Florida and has been spearheading efforts.
“We are more than grateful with all those people that already came here and for helping us,” Schutt said.
The items will be packed and shipped to Miami. From there, the packages will be flown directly to relief workers in Colombia. The first charter flight left today, Schutt said.
Direct Relief, a Santa Barbara-based non-profit announced a $50,000 grant to supply medications to Colombians displaced by the earthquake.
“We’re working with our partners on the ground,” said Erick Molina, a regional director with Direct Relief. “They’re informing us on what is needed at medical facilities, by the doctors, for the patients.”
If you’d like to assist with relief efforts or donate, you can reach the Colombia-American Chamber of Commerce at (407)241-9782.
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