Catholics in Colombia Mobilize Relief as Floods Impact Tens of Thousands
Catholic communities across northern Colombia are intensifying relief efforts after devastating floods left at least 69,000 families affected and 22 people dead, according to local authorities. Torrential rains over the past week caused major rivers including the Sinú, San Jorge and Canaletes to overflow, submerging large areas of the departments of Córdoba, Antioquia, Santander and Chocó.
Officials reported that rainfall equivalent to a full month fell within a single day in some areas, overwhelming riverbanks and drainage systems. Approximately 9,000 homes have been destroyed, with entire neighborhoods in cities such as Montería left underwater. In rural zones, livestock and crops were swept away, deepening economic losses for farming families.
Church leaders say the scale of the destruction is unprecedented in recent memory. Parishes in the Diocese of Montelíbano and the Diocese of Montería began organizing assistance as soon as waters began rising. Clergy and lay volunteers have been distributing food, clothing and essential supplies while also providing pastoral care to families who lost their homes.
In many communities, families had tried to prepare by elevating furniture and appliances after early flood warnings. However, water levels rose far higher than anticipated, isolating entire districts. Church workers reported finding families cut off by floodwaters with no access to food or clean water.
Ten temporary shelters have been established with the cooperation of local governments and Church institutions. Several Catholic schools have opened their facilities to accommodate displaced residents. Authorities estimate that around 6,000 people are currently housed in these emergency centers, while others are staying with relatives or friends.
The Colombian Church has launched nationwide donation campaigns to support affected regions. Aid has been arriving from dioceses across the country, including major cities such as Bogotá, Cartagena and Barranquilla. Parishes have set up collection and distribution points to coordinate the flow of food, medicine and hygiene supplies.
Bishop Farly Gil Betancur of Montelíbano, who is also serving as apostolic administrator of Montería, issued an appeal urging Catholics to assist flood victims. He described each contribution as a sign of solidarity and hope for families facing severe hardship. Pope Leo XIV also expressed concern during his weekly General Audience, calling on the faithful to offer charity and prayer for those affected.
Economic losses are already estimated in the trillions of pesos, and large areas of farmland remain submerged. Church leaders have warned that crop destruction could disrupt local food supplies in the coming months. Meanwhile, authorities are monitoring the Urrá dam, which came under scrutiny after criticism that it was not opened in time to ease water pressure.
With the rainy season expected to intensify through March, both civil authorities and Church agencies are preparing for continued emergency response, emphasizing coordinated relief, community resilience and ongoing pastoral support.
