Looting of donations for earthquake victims in Buenaventura

On August 20, 2026, a truck transporting donations intended for families affected by the earthquake was surrounded and looted by several people. The incident occurred during the delivery of the items in Buenaventura, following the natural disaster that struck the region.

The transport of donations from Pasto to Buenaventura

The situation involved a truck carrying aid from Pasto toward Buenaventura. According to preliminary information, the core issue was related to the lack of a defined logistics plan to distribute the donations among the families in need of supplies.

Access to the vehicle and disorder during delivery

Given the scenario, the driver reportedly allowed some people to climb onto the truck to access the items. However, the decision ultimately overwhelmed the delivery. Videos recorded at the scene showed several people surrounding the vehicle, invading the cargo area, and removing items in a disorderly manner, which resulted in damage to some products.

Official balance of the emergency after the tremor

The incident took place amidst the crisis faced following the August 10 earthquake. The disaster left a toll of 319 dead, 4,469 injured, 260 missing, and 364 rescued alive. The impacts reached 15 departments and 476 municipalities, totaling 151,433 families and 272,830 people affected by the catastrophe.

The transporters' perspective on the event

The Colombian Truckers Association commented on the episode, pointing out that the delivery of aid intended for the communities themselves turned into disorder. For the organization, the reaction reflected the need and anguish generated after the tragedy, with the anxiety of bringing better conditions home or to a shelter causing distress.

Call for better organization and the sector's history

Transporters evaluated that the moment should serve to review how aid is organized, aiming to transform the future of the port. The association also highlighted that truckers have participated for three decades in the transfer of supplies during emergencies, working tirelessly in pandemics and catastrophes to serve the country.

With information from El Colombiano.