Coca-Cola Provides Aid Following Major Earthquake in Colombia

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck several Colombian regions, including Chocó, Risaralda, Quindío, Caldas, and Valle del Cauca. In the Chocó department, the disaster has left more than 43,000 victims and destroyed entire communities, schools, and health centers. In response, the Coca-Cola System in Colombia delivered over 76,000 liters of hydration during the first week of the emergency. This volume is equivalent to nearly eight 10,000 liter tanker trucks. The company also provided a resting area for Mexican rescue workers known as los topos in Cali.

Coca-Cola supported the national government campaign titled Colombia, Un solo corazón by providing logistical support. This included two 10 ton trucks to move aid between the Vive Claro collection center and the Bogota airport in coordination with LATAM Airlines Colombia, as well as two additional 10 ton trucks delivering aid to El Águila and El Cairo in the north of Valle del Cauca. Additionally, the company established a collection center in Bogota and launched donation collection routes in Bogota and Medellin. The Coca-Cola Foundation is coordinating further donations for food, health, and humanitarian aid through social organizations.

Reporting on the event differs by political lean. A center-left source focused on the corporate social responsibility and logistical efforts of the private sector to assist affected communities. Conversely, a center-right source framed the disaster within a broader context of state neglect in the Chocó department that existed long before the earthquake.