The community of the Santa Cruz neighborhood, lower part, faces an emergency situation after a serious flood caused by damage to the aqueduct network. The incident, which occurred last Sunday, affected approximately 211 families who have lost their belongings and now face difficult living conditions. Local authorities and social aid organizations are requesting donations from the community to support those who are most vulnerable.
According to the preliminary information provided by EPM, they are currently carrying out repairs to the aqueduct leak in the main network coming from the Manantiales plant. In addition, they will proceed to assess the risk and damage to the infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/hczkFQGsPp
— Teleantioquia (@Teleantioquia) November 10, 2024
Donations are received in the Mariano Ospina Pérez auditorium, located in the transportation terminal. This space has been set up as a collection point for items that can alleviate the situation of affected families. The main needs include medications, non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items, mats, blankets, sheets, pillows and diapers. Additionally, specific medications are being received such as atorvastatin, losartan and metforminwhich are vital for some of those affected who suffer from chronic diseases.
Lily Guzmán, one of the affected residents, recounted the difficult moment her family is experiencing. «We work with my mother and my sister; We are mothers who are heads of the family and we are asking the authorities for help because we lost everything,” she explained. The flood, which began with the entry of dirty water, quickly spread to the rooms and halls, destroying much of their personal belongings and leaving their homes in precarious conditions.
Another heartbreaking testimony is that of Marley Pomares, who also lost a good part of her belongings. “The dirty water began to reach the rooms, it broke the last room, it damaged my daughter’s closet, the refrigerator, the bed, everything,” he narrated. These experiences reflect the difficult situation faced by the families of Santa Cruz, who in an instant saw how their homes were devastated by the unexpected flood.
Our crews work in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, committed to solving the impact on public services. We work hand in hand with relief agencies to guarantee the safety and well-being of the community. pic.twitter.com/OFUgtGKl3z
— EPM we are there (@EPMestamosahi) November 11, 2024
The call for solidarity is urgent. The organizations that lead the collection of donations emphasize that each contribution, no matter how small, can make a big difference in the recovery of these families. Those interested in contributing can come to the Mariano Ospina Pérez auditorium or contact the local organizations that are coordinating the distribution of aid in Santa Cruz.
Local authorities are currently investigating the causes of the damage to the aqueduct network, seeking to clarify whether there was a maintenance failure or a possible overload in the system that led to this event. Meanwhile, the affected community awaits the prompt arrival of help to cover their basic needs while they manage to regain normality in their lives.
2024-11-12 17:14:00
#Floods #Santa #Cruz #donations #urgently #needed #affected #families
**Interview with Maria Lopez, Community Outreach Coordinator**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. Can you give us an update on the situation in the Santa Cruz neighborhood following the recent flood?
**Maria Lopez:** Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed very dire. Over the past few days, we’ve been assessing the damage, and unfortunately, about 211 families have been severely affected. Many have lost their belongings, and right now, they are facing extremely challenging living conditions.
**Editor:** What are the immediate needs of the community in terms of aid and support?
**Maria Lopez:** We are urgently asking for donations. The most critical needs include non-perishable food, medications, personal hygiene items, and bedding essentials such as mats, blankets, sheets, and pillows. We are also collecting specific medications that many affected community members rely on, like atorvastatin, losartan, and metformin.
**Editor:** How can community members contribute to the relief efforts?
**Maria Lopez:** Community members can drop off donations at the Mariano Ospina Pérez auditorium located in the transportation terminal. This auditorium has been designated as our collection point, and we are encouraging anyone who can help to participate.
**Editor:** We’ve heard some emotional testimonies from residents like Lily Guzmán and Marley Pomares. Can you share more about how they are coping and what support they are receiving?
**Maria Lopez:** Yes, these stories are heart-wrenching. Lily and Marley represent many families who are struggling right now. They have lost so much and are overwhelmed by the situation. We are working with local organizations to provide immediate assistance, including food and basic necessities, but they need long-term support as well. Psychological support services are also crucial as many are dealing with trauma from this experience.
**Editor:** What are local authorities doing to address the infrastructure damage that led to this flooding?
**Maria Lopez:** According to the recent updates from EPM, they are actively repairing the aqueduct leaks that contributed to this situation. They are also assessing the overall risk and damage to the infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future. It’s crucial that we invest in long-term solutions to ensure the safety of our community.
**Editor:** Thank you, Maria, for bringing attention to this critical situation. We hope for a quick recovery for the families in Santa Cruz.
**Maria Lopez:** Thank you for helping us spread the word. Every bit of support counts in times like these.
