Photo: Jaime Saldarriaga | Afp | Getty Images

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) expresses its solidarity with workers, their families, and the communities affected by the powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia, with a particularly severe impact on the department of Chocó and several cities in the Coffee Region, including Medellín, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, and Quibdó.

BWI is closely monitoring reports on the earthquake's impact and remains in contact with its affiliated organisations in the country to assess the situation of their members and families. Since the first reports of the earthquake emerged, the BWI Regional Office has been in contact with the leadership of organizations with a presence and membership in the affected areas, including SINTRAPULCAR in Cali, SINTRAETEX in Manizales, and SINTRAMBIENTE in Medellín, as well as SINDICOLMENA in Bogotá and FECOTECMAC in Valledupar, to obtain first-hand information on the situation of their members, affiliates, and families in the affected areas. None of these organisations has reported any direct impact resulting in casualties among their members or families.

In addition, the organisations are activating communication with their departmental branches, executive board members, and the companies with which they maintain dialogue, to begin to map potential damage and impacts affecting workers and their communities.

Beyond these initial actions, we express our solidarity with all BWI-affiliated organisations in Colombia and, especially, with all people and communities that have suffered losses or material damage, or that are currently dealing with the consequences of this emergency.

In light of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme events and emergencies, including floods, droughts, landslides, and other events that can severely affect communities across all countries in the region, BWI reiterates the importance of strengthening prevention, preparedness, and safety measures aimed at reducing risks and, above all, protecting people’s lives.

Likewise, “it is also essential that state institutions ensure a timely and effective response, supported by adequate policies and resources to address the housing, health, basic services, infrastructure, and logistical needs of affected populations, as well as to advance the recovery of communities and their livelihoods”, said Nilton Freitas, the BWI regional representative.

BWI will continue to monitor developments in Colombia closely and remain in communication with its affiliated organizations, reiterating our solidarity and our readiness to support workers and their families during these difficult and challenging times.