People walk past a collapsed building in Pereira, Colombia, on Tuesday, August 11, a day after the magnitude 7,4 earthquake struck western Colombia. Photo: AP/Fernando Vergara.
People walk past a collapsed building in Pereira, Colombia, on Tuesday, August 11, a day after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia. Photo: AP/Fernando Vergara.

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, leaving more than 180 people dead, over 2.595 injured, and 195 missing, according to the latest figures available as of Tuesday morning. The epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, though damage was also felt in cities such as Pereira, Cali, Quibdó, and Manizales.

El Colombian Geological Service It was reported that it was the largest earthquake recorded in the country during the 21st century.

While search and rescue efforts continue, Colombian community organizations in North Carolina have set up collection centers in Charlotte and Raleigh.

These are the confirmed options so far for sending supplies, donating money, and searching for information about family members:

Flyer Unidos por Colombia, collection center in Charlotte to help those affected by the earthquake in Colombia

United for Colombia: Collection center in Charlotte

The Colombian Multicultural Festival and Provenza Group, with the support of Colombian Chamber of Commerce of the CarolinasThey set up a collection center in Charlotte to gather aid for those affected by the earthquake.

  • Address:  9233 Nations Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28273.
  • Schedule:  Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • What they receive:  Non-perishable food; personal hygiene products; blankets, sleeping mats, and clean sheets; diapers, formula, and baby food; flashlights and batteries; gloves, face masks, and basic protective items; first aid kits and supplies, without prescription medications; and basic pet supplies.
  • IInformation and volunteering:  980-229-1069.

The organizers request that items be in good condition and properly packaged. Food and other products with expiration dates must be within their valid dates.

They also need volunteers to receive, sort, and prepare donations. Interested individuals can contact the number above or sign up at [website address missing]. carolinascacc.orgthrough the "Become a volunteer" option.

Financial contribution

The Organization By Immigrant Hands Foundation The organization launched a fundraising campaign to support affected families in Colombia. According to information released by the organization, the funds raised will be used directly in the country to purchase food, water, medicine, and other essential items.

The organizers explained that they opted to receive financial contributions instead of products in order to avoid the costs associated with shipping and logistics from the United States and use those resources to purchase the necessary supplies locally.

Those interested in contributing can make their donations through the By Immigrant Hands Foundation website at byimmigranthands.com/donate/

Flyer: Collection Center in Raleigh for victims of the earthquake in Colombia

Collection center in Raleigh

Destination Cargo by Servientrega The company set up a collection center in Raleigh to gather aid for those affected by the earthquake. The parcel delivery company is of Colombian origin and had previously participated in a similar collection drive following the earthquakes in Venezuela.

  • Address:  3501 Capital Blvd., Suite 147, Raleigh, NC 27604, below Chuck E. Cheese.
  • Donation schedule:  from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Last day:  Thursday, August 13.
  • What they receive:  hygiene and personal care products, flashlights, blankets, gloves, non-perishable food and basic first aid supplies.
  • They do not receive:  clothes, water, perishable food, or money.
  • Information:  919-444-4642.

“We are collecting at our locations; one of them is in Raleigh. Then we send everything to our headquarters in Miami, and from there, all the donations will be sent to Colombia, to the Colombian Red Cross, and to the “We Are Together for Colombia” movement,” he explained. Enlace Latino NC  Diego Andrés Patiño Muñoz, representative of Servientrega Raleigh.

The deadline is due to the logistics of the campaign: the shipment will leave Miami on Friday, August 14.

New collection center in Charlotte

The Future is Latino, together with the Colombian Multicultural Festival, is collecting emergency, recovery and shelter supplies for affected communities in Colombia.

  • Address: 208 Stetson Dr., Charlotte, NC 28262.
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • What they receive: work boots, helmets, safety glasses, work gloves, N95 or dust masks, emergency whistles, tents, sleeping bags and sleeping mats.

You can find more information and updates in the Instagram account of El Futuro es Latino.

Donations to the Colombian Red Cross

La The Colombian Red Cross has launched a campaign to receive donations from the United StatesContributions can be made in dollars, either once or monthly, starting from $5.

According to the organization, the money will be used to provide medical care and drinking water, support rescue efforts, restore telecommunications, and help families who have lost contact with their loved ones.

Donations to World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen (WCK) It deployed teams in Colombia and is working with local organizations to provide freshly prepared meals to communities affected by the earthquake.

The organization accepts donations in US dollars, either one-time or monthly, to support this food relief effort. Donations are tax-deductible in the United States, and receipts are sent via email.

How to find a relative in Colombia?

The Colombian Consulate General in Atlanta reported that, for the time being, the only channel available to request support is the Colombian Red Cross.

Through its Family Ties Protection program, the organization provides guidance and receives requests to search for and locate missing persons:

  • WhatsApp: +57 321 213 9525.
  • Email: rcf@cruzrojacolombiana.org

Editor's note: This note will be updated as new collection centers, donation channels, and official resources are confirmed.

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Patricia Serrano is a bilingual journalist based in Asheville and a Report for America staffer. She covers immigration, political, and social issues in Western North Carolina for Enlace Latino NC, etc.

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