‘Pay-by-the-day’ living in Pereira: The forgotten survivors of Colombia’s earthquake
In Pereira, Colombia, earthquake survivors living in pay-by-the-day rooms now face homelessness, overcrowded shelters, illness, and a struggle to be counted.
In Pereira, Colombia, many survivors of the recent earthquake are left without shelter, support, and recognition. Volunteers estimate that nearly 400 people affected by the disaster are residing in La Libertad Park, a location not authorized by the Pereira Mayor's Office. These individuals pay as little as COP 17,000 (USD 5) per day for a place to sleep.
Laura, a mother of two, woke up early on the morning of the earthquake and ran to find her daughters as buildings collapsed around her. Carolina, another survivor, paid COP 18,000 (USD 6) for a room without a kitchen before the earthquake, only to lose her belongings and find herself without a place to stay. Félix, a coffee picker, was working on a farm when the earthquake struck and lost his most valuable possession, a small suitcase he carried for a decade.
These survivors, along with many others, are part of the forgotten victims of the earthquake, often ignored by the government and society.
Written by urgent.news from Global Voices Colombia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
