Colombia Flood Relief in Putumayo

The series of floods that hit Columbia affected 17 neighborhoods, washing away 6 entirely, and leaving 11 heavily destroyed. The floods also demolished the power plant and water treatment plant, leaving towns without electricity and without access to clean water. Nearly 6,000 families and close to 17,000 individuals were reported affected by the disaster. 

IsraAID implemented two crucial programs for immediate and eventually, long-term relief. One of the mission's goals is to provide effective emergency psychosocial support to populations affected directly and indirectly by the mudslides. The first is camp-based psychosocial support for women, through art therapy. This focuses on the consequences of trauma that could appear in the future. As one pregnant woman therapy participant, “Salon del cabildo Inga" said:

"You gave me strength to think about the future, to have hope.”

The second program is the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program. The mudslides took down Mocoa’s water system and the entire city and its surroundings was left with no access to water. IsraAID’s emergency team provided immediate WASH solutions as well as customized longer term support. Examples include: distribution of hygiene kits, implementation of tip tap construction, filtration of water, and simple repair to water sources.

Moreover, thanks to IsraAID's efforts, after only two weeks following the floods, educational activities were officially resumed. While no regular classes took place in most institutions, the opening of schools was important both for allowing a return to routine and taking children off the streets, and to collect updated information on the situation and location of children and their families. 

As recent as this weekend, the IsraAID team in Colombia distributed 250-liter water tanks and filtration systems, and trained community leaders and school directors how to use them. This equipment will help bring fresh, clean water to many rural schools and communities currently living without. 

All of our activities, whether in MHPSS or in the WASH sector, were adapted to the constantly changing conditions on the ground, and in full partnership with local communities. Following IsraAID's emergency team's immediate response, it would be beneficial to build upon existing relations and to continue with implementation of longer term projects in communities, the educational sector, and camps.

Thank you for supporting IsraAID's team in Colombia - Their work is not possible without the help of people such as yourself!