FIDI movers in Colombia have reported disruption to transport and supply chains after an earthquake hit the country last week.
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake on August 10 killed at least 304 people and injured more than 4,400, affecting large areas of western and central Colombia, with an epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Pacific Chocó region.
The heads of Colombian FIDI Affiliates Aviomar, Intramar and Portan said their staff were all safe, but added that road routes from Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Chocó and Buenaventura are significantly restricted and subject to inspections and delays. Several regional airports closed because of the quake, although Bogotá airport and the Port of Cartagena stayed open.
Colombia’s principal Pacific port, Buenaventura, is operating under contingency measures after up to eight landslides restricted its main access road. Miguel Angel Florez Palacios, General Manager at Aviomar, said: ‘The port can function technically, but if trucks cannot reliably reach it, the impact on trade can be equally significant. Several communities around Buenaventura have also experienced damage to infrastructure, limited access to services and disruptions to communications.’
However, he added that authorities were making progress in clearing transport corridors and assess damaged infrastructure: ‘The situation is improving every day, but recovery will not happen overnight.’
Florez said Aviomar activated its business continuity plan following the earthquake, adding: ‘The resilience shown by our people, our industry and our communities during these challenging days has been remarkable. While continuity plans, operational procedures and contingency measures are essential, what truly makes a difference is the human element behind them.’
Juan Guillermo Diaz Castañeda, CEO of Intramar, said: ‘We are continuing to monitor the operational situation closely, while remaining attentive to the health and wellbeing of our employees, partners and clients.’ He added that the company was sending regular consignments of aid to areas in need.