The 7.4 magnitude quake that shook the western part of Colombia on 10AUG26, devastating large areas, has killed at least 312 people with almost 300 still missing. In the meantime, a wave of aid shipments has arrived, transported by several airlines. Here is an overview of the most important relief flights.
Bogota-based Avianca, transported more than 150 metric tons of aid in the first two days following the quake, using both its cargo division and the belly holds of passenger flights. The loads included backup generators, hygiene kits, and non-perishable food items, making full use of the A330F’s volume and tonnage capacity.
“At times like these, our operations serve a purpose that goes beyond connecting destinations: we want to help ensure that aid reaches where it is needed most. We thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the GEM Foundation for trusting in our logistical capabilities and joining forces with us to support the affected communities,” exclaimed Diogo Elias, CEO of Avianca Cargo.
GEM’s humanitarian missions: First Venezuela, followed by Colombia
The humanitarian response is based on speed, efficiency, and getting the right aid to families when they need it most. “We are deeply grateful to Avianca Cargo for leveraging its aircraft fleet, logistics expertise, and reach to make this mission possible. Colombia can count on GEM not only during these critical days, but throughout the entire journey toward recovery,” said Michael Capponi, Founder and President of Global Empowerment Mission (GEM).
The Poland-based organization has already responded to crises in 73 countries on almost every continent, conducting humanitarian activities in areas affected by earthquakes and other natural catastrophes.
Only weeks before, the organization’s disaster relief teams launched actions on the northern coast of Venezuela, following the 7.5 magnitude strong earthquake that caused extensive damage in the states Yaracuy, Carabobo, and La Guaira, as well as the capital city, Caracas.
Most relief flights landed at El Edén Airport
Latam Cargo – South America’s other leading freight carrier alongside Avianca – and its Colombian subsidiary added additional flights to Cali and Armenia to meet the urgent demand for humanitarian supplies. Armenia is a city of 312,000 residents located in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region (Zona Cafetera), which was severely affected by the earthquake.
The Mexican government sent two Lockheed C-130 Hércules aircraft from its Air Force to Colombia, delivering 58.5 metric tons of cargo, distributed among 2,562 basic aid packages.
Combined mission
And the Abra Group, which includes Avianca as well as the Brazilian airline, GOL, among others, dispatched B737 freighters from São Paulo to El Edén International Airport in Armenia, loaded with urgently needed relief supplies. The 40 tons of aid delivered through this airbridge, build on the more than 300 tons already transported by Avianca Cargo in response to this emergency.
“In this mission, we combined our logistics capabilities with Avianca Cargo’s experience to overcome an important operational challenge and transport more than 40 tons of humanitarian aid to the Coffee Region. We are proud to put our network, equipment and, above all, our people at the service of communities at such an important time for the country,” said Albert Pérez, President and COO of GOL.
