SOS Providencia
Donation protected
HURRICANE IOTA
In the early hours of Monday the 16th of November 2020 a category 5 hurricane, Iota, tore through the beautiful Colombian paradise of Providencia. We lost all communication with our loved ones on the island at 9:19am (GMT) and to this moment have still not been able to resume any kind of contact. After a painful wait to the late evening, a brief message was shared by the Mayor via a satellite phone: 98% of infrastructure was damaged but worst of all some fatalities, along with injured and missing islanders.
Only by Tuesday afternoon was the government able to get close enough to the island to make a first assessment of the damage, before unloading essential aid packages. The aerial shots of the devastation are truly heart breaking, as the various settlements around the 17km2 island are barely recognisable and it is alarmingly clear that not a single house has been spared. Later that day the Colombian air force managed to evacuate 115 people to the largest island in the Archipelago, San Andrés.
Today, Wednesday the 18th of November, the government have plans to establish a field hospital on the island as the only medical centre was destroyed. The navy are also assisting by bringing in search and rescues experts, medics and further basic supplies including food, water and tents.
The residents of this island have lost absolutely everything, th
South West Bay pre storm:
The girls:
Buenos amigos:
Day at work:
In the early hours of Monday the 16th of November 2020 a category 5 hurricane, Iota, tore through the beautiful Colombian paradise of Providencia. We lost all communication with our loved ones on the island at 9:19am (GMT) and to this moment have still not been able to resume any kind of contact. After a painful wait to the late evening, a brief message was shared by the Mayor via a satellite phone: 98% of infrastructure was damaged but worst of all some fatalities, along with injured and missing islanders.
Only by Tuesday afternoon was the government able to get close enough to the island to make a first assessment of the damage, before unloading essential aid packages. The aerial shots of the devastation are truly heart breaking, as the various settlements around the 17km2 island are barely recognisable and it is alarmingly clear that not a single house has been spared. Later that day the Colombian air force managed to evacuate 115 people to the largest island in the Archipelago, San Andrés.
Today, Wednesday the 18th of November, the government have plans to establish a field hospital on the island as the only medical centre was destroyed. The navy are also assisting by bringing in search and rescues experts, medics and further basic supplies including food, water and tents.
The residents of this island have lost absolutely everything, th
erefore we are trying to help in the only way currently possible by raising funds. The money will go directly towards supporting the residents of the island in rebuilding not only their homes, but their lives. This economy of this remote island is almost entirely dependent on tourism, hence the 5000 residents have already suffered gravely due to the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Unable to host tourists for over 8 months, these people have been left without any source of income. However this community is bursting with the most kind, strong and warm-hearted people imaginable, and so with a little help we know they can pull through. For that reason we ask: if at all possible please make a donation towards helping the incredible people of Providencia.
Please also send all your positivity, love and prayers along with us,
Melie and Emma
Additional Information:
Just two weeks prior hurricane Eta also impacted the island. This is all despite the region being considered a relatively safe part of the Caribbean to endure the hurricane season, making what has happened over the last two weeks even more devastating. Iota is only the second Category 5 hurricane on record to have occurred in November in the Atlantic Basin.
The devastation and destruction:
Photo's credit to Teleisla
BEFORE
El Equipo:
We are Emma (left) and Melie (right) two girls from England who's hearts have been devastated by this tragedy in the beautiful and tranquil Providencia. We are desperate to help in any way we can:
Our house before the storm:
Please also send all your positivity, love and prayers along with us,
Melie and Emma
Additional Information:
Just two weeks prior hurricane Eta also impacted the island. This is all despite the region being considered a relatively safe part of the Caribbean to endure the hurricane season, making what has happened over the last two weeks even more devastating. Iota is only the second Category 5 hurricane on record to have occurred in November in the Atlantic Basin.
The devastation and destruction:
Photo's credit to TeleislaBEFORE
El Equipo:
We are Emma (left) and Melie (right) two girls from England who's hearts have been devastated by this tragedy in the beautiful and tranquil Providencia. We are desperate to help in any way we can:
Our house before the storm:
South West Bay pre storm:
The girls:
Buenos amigos:
Day at work:
Organizer
Melie Baptiste
Organizer
