'Terrifying' moment Sydney couple's home fell 'to bits' in Colombia quake

Sydney couple Ana Maria Chaves and Christian Bitancurt described the terrifying moment their apartment building in Cali, Colombia, began to crumble during a magnitude-7.4 earthquake on August 10. Having moved to the city just over a year ago, they had settled into life in the salsa capital.

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The sound of the building where you live just falling to bits is terrifying

"The sound of the building where you live just falling to bits is terrifying," Mr. Bitancurt said. The couple took shelter under a dining table with Ms. Chaves's elderly mother as a wall in their third-floor apartment collapsed on them. After the shaking stopped, they emerged to find their new city in ruins, with many people crying and in shock due to a lack of communication.

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We have to start from scratch, we had already set up our home here and we're looking at having to start from zero

Their high-rise apartment has been deemed too unstable to live in, forcing the couple to return briefly only to grab essentials. "We have to start from scratch, we had already set up our home here and we're looking at having to start from zero," Ms. Chaves stated. They are temporarily staying with Ms. Chaves's step-mother.

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We are very far away and we decided to do at least something to help all families

Meanwhile, members of Sydney's Colombian community organized a fundraising event featuring traditional food and music to support those impacted by the earthquake. Organizer Daniela Valencia, whose sister lost all possessions, expressed the need for help from all communities. Funds raised at the event, which included a raffle and performances, are being donated to the Red Cross. "We are sad, but we are together, we are stronger if we are together," said attendee Daniel Sarmiento, who came to support the cause.

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We need a lot of help, that's why we are calling all communities, all Latin community and even the Aussie community to help us