Photo by Ben Bowes
In March, there was flooding in Colombia which devastated Mocoa, a capital city of one of the states in Colombia.
Per ABC News, “Colombian authorities scrambled to deliver aid and return basic services like electricity and water to the wreckage of Mocoa, a city of 40,000 people devastated by floodwaters and landslides on Friday.”
Not only were there floods, but also landslides, causing more devastation in the city.
Reuters explains, “Families and rescuers searched desperately on Sunday through mud-plastered rubble for victims of flooding and landslides in Colombia that have killed 254 people, injured hundreds and devastated entire neighborhoods.”
There was not much warning beforehand for families to seek higher ground. One family just barely made it.
Fox News reports the events of a family who barely escaped, “Eduardo Vargas, 29, was asleep with his wife and 7-month-old baby when he was awoken by the sound of neighbors banging on his door. He quickly grabbed his family and fled up a small mountain amid the cries of people in panic.”
Many people did not know where their loved ones were, whether they were injured or killed, so they were panicked.
Per Reuters who interviewed one women, “‘I need to know where they are, if they are injured or where to find them,’ sobbed Maria Lilia Tisoy, 37, looking through the rubble for her two daughters, one pregnant, and a 4-year-old granddaughter.”
Not only were adults affected, but also their children.
ABC News explains, “At least 43 children were among the victims, Colombia’s national disaster agency, NGRC, said.”
The relief teams provided shelter for those displaced by the flooding. Reuters reports, “Disaster officials said more than 500 people were staying in emergency housing and social services had helped 10 lost children find their parents.”
Those who made it to the mountain, went back to Mocoa to try and find their family members.
Per Fox News, “Authorities and residents in the city tucked between mountains along Colombia’s southern border spent Saturday tending to victims, trying to find homes on streets reduced to masses of rubble and engaged in a desperate search to locate loved ones who disappeared in the dark of night.” Mercy Corps does several types of work in Colombia. One thing they do, is disaster relief.
Mercy Corps explains, “Distributing emergency supplies to families displaced by conflict and disaster, and providing them with income-generation skills to help them rebuild.”
Please pray the people of Mocoa would be able to rebuild and that many would come to know the Lord because of this.
Fox News: Colombia flood: Over 200 dead after rivers overflow, toppling homes
Reuters: Rescuers, locals dig for Colombia flood victims, 254 die
ABC News: Death toll rises to 273 as aid begins to arrive in disaster-struck Colombia
