Earthquake Devastates Paratebueno, Colombia: Community in Urgent Need of Aid

A powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck Paratebueno, Cundinamarca, Colombia, on June 9, 2025, at approximately 8:08 AM local time, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The earthquake caused the collapse of at least 30 homes, rendering many residents homeless. The local school also suffered significant damage, leaving 280 students without a place to learn. One resident, Hebert Bejarano, described the terrifying experience: "I was sitting down, and the ceiling fell on me." The community is now facing a desperate need for essential resources, as reported by Milena Tovar, another affected resident: "We are trying to save the clothes for the children in case it rains, but everything else is destroyed." The damage extends beyond homes, with roads and bridges showing significant cracks and fissures. The community is urgently requesting potable water, food, medicine, and mattresses. The resilience of the community amidst the devastation serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit.