Buenaventura residents criticize state neglect after Colombia's earthquake

In the port city of Buenaventura, residents are voicing strong criticism of what they describe as state neglect in the aftermath of a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake. Lorena Hipis, whose home was severely damaged and whose mother's house was destroyed, killing four people, expressed desperation for aid.

"The government is taking too long. And this is an urgent situation," Hipis stated, highlighting the slow pace of assistance. The earthquake, which struck on August 10, caused widespread destruction in Buenaventura, a city of 432,000. Approximately 540 homes collapsed and 3,416 were damaged, with 330 residents injured. The local hospital, Luis Ablanque de la Plata District Hospital, has several wards out of operation, forcing the injured to wait for treatment in tents outside.

Residents fear that Buenaventura, despite being home to Colombia's largest port, will be overlooked in the national recovery efforts. They worry that resources will be prioritized for wealthier provincial capitals like Pereira and Cali, rather than for areas with higher poverty levels, such as their own city. This concern points to a broader pattern of perceived mismanagement and under-investment in the region.

The earthquake claimed an estimated 287 lives across Colombia, with about 19 deaths reported in Buenaventura. The ongoing lack of adequate support exacerbates the suffering of those affected, leaving many in precarious living conditions and fearing for their future.

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The government is taking too long. And this is an urgent situation.