Fundación EROSKI has donated €25,000 to the Spanish Red Cross to support the humanitarian response to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia and help meet the most urgent needs of those affected.

The earthquake, which occurred on 10 August with its epicentre in the department of Chocó, has caused significant loss of life, injuries and material damage. According to the latest situation report from the Spanish Red Cross, 12 departments and 335 municipalities have been affected, with 7.16 million people affected, 265 deaths and 3,500 injuries. Homes, schools, healthcare facilities, roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure have also been damaged.

In response, the Colombian Red Cross continues its emergency operations, focusing on search and rescue, emergency healthcare and psychological support, tracing missing persons and distributing essential supplies, among other activities. The Spanish Red Cross supports this response, in coordination with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, by deploying specialists, sending supplies, and providing health services, psychosocial support, water and sanitation, temporary shelter, and assistance to meet basic needs.

“At Fundación EROSKI, we would like to express our solidarity with the people and families affected by this earthquake and contribute to the response carried out by the Colombian Red Cross on the ground. In emergencies such as this, it is essential to act quickly and support those most vulnerable. Through this contribution, we want to add our support to the work of the teams addressing the most urgent needs of the affected population,” said Alejandro Martínez Berriochoa, Managing Director of Fundación EROSKI.

“We are grateful to Fundación EROSKI for its support in this emergency. This contribution will help strengthen the response we are delivering alongside the Colombian Red Cross to address the most urgent needs of those affected, from access to essential supplies and temporary shelter to healthcare and psychosocial support. Assessments are ongoing, and we aim to continue mobilising resources wherever they are needed most,” said Jaime Gregori, National Director of Fundraising, Partnerships and Social Responsibility at the Spanish Red Cross.

The priority is to save lives and ensure assistance reaches those most vulnerable, while assessments continue to determine the extent of the damage and needs arising from the emergency.

This collaboration forms part of Fundación EROSKI’s ongoing commitment to people and communities facing situations of vulnerability. Through partnerships with specialist organisations, such as the Spanish Red Cross, the Foundation promotes initiatives to respond to humanitarian emergencies and support the well-being of those affected.

 

 

About FUNDACIÓN EROSKI

Fundación EROSKI was established in 1997 by EROSKI as a platform to deliver a wide range of social initiatives. Its work focuses on research, innovation, education, consumer protection, and environmental sustainability. Through its activities, the Foundation promotes healthy eating and lifestyle habits, contributing to the development of a fairer, more inclusive and cohesive society, with inter-cooperation at the heart of its approach.