Hi, we're Thomas McCloskey and Luisa Romero and today our closest friends, Salomé Jaramillo and Andrés Carillo Guzmán, had their lives turned upside down.

The earthquake that struck Colombia today has caused terrible destruction in Cali, as well as most of the country. Salomé and Andrés's apartment was damaged and a lot of their possessions have has been either damaged or been completely destroyed.

In their neighbourhood, the situation is even more heartbreaking. A nearby house collapsed (pictured below) with people inside, and families around her have lost their homes, their possessions and tragically, loved ones.

One moment Salomé, Andrés and their neighbours were going about their normal lives. A few moments later, they were standing amongst damaged/destroyed homes, broken possessions and a community trying to understand what had just happened.

We are incredibly grateful that our friends are safe, but them and many of the people around them now have to work out where they will stay, how they will replace basic things they need, and eventually how they can begin rebuilding their lives.

That is why we have started this fundraiser.

We want to raise money for Salomé and Andrés, but also for the families and neighbours around her who have been badly affected and who may need help even more urgently.

The funds will strictly go towards the things people need right now, including:

For us, this is very personal. Salomé and Andrés are our best friends. We've been friends for years. We were both groomsman and bridesmaid during their wedding.

Seeing photographs and videos of what has happened to their home and their neighbourhood while being so far away and unable to physically help is heartbreaking. Setting this page up is one small thing we can do to help our friends.

If you are able to give anything at all, thank you. No donation is too small.

If you cannot donate, please share this page. Even that could make a huge difference.

There are families in Cali tonight trying to work out what comes next after losing almost everything in a matter of seconds.

We just want to help make what comes next a little easier.

Thank you so much for helping Andrés, Salomé and their community.

Examples of the devastation can be found here