Santa Barbara-Based Direct Relief Mobilizes After Powerful Colombia Earthquake

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Santa Barbara-based Direct Relief is mobilizing emergency medical aid after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia.

The earthquake damaged buildings and triggered a national emergency, leaving communities facing an urgent need for medical care and supplies.

Direct Relief is working with health partners in Colombia to determine where help is needed most and prepare emergency medical supplies for affected areas.

The response builds on years of work in the country. Since 2015, Direct Relief has provided more than $27 million in medical aid to Colombia.

The organization works with local health providers during disasters to help move medicines and other critical supplies quickly to communities in need.

Direct Relief is continuing to assess the situation as the full extent of the damage becomes clearer.