Intrepid launches Colombia emergency appeal following magnitude-7.4 earthquake

Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency relief appeal through its non-profit arm, The Intrepid Foundation, following a magnitude-7.4 earthquake in western Colombia.

The quake killed hundreds of people dead and dozens injured after striking on Tuesday (August 11), with search and rescue operations ongoing across affected areas including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Chocó Department.

All funds raised from the appeal will go directly to local NGO partner Patrulla Aérea Civil Colombiana (PAC) to provide emergency medical supplies, food and accommodation for volunteer medical staff, alongside aviation fuel to transport relief teams to remote locations.

To boost the initiative, The Intrepid Foundation has committed to matching public donations up to £15,000.

Intrepid confirmed all its customers and staff in Colombia are safe and accounted for. Trips across the country remain operational, though tour groups currently in western Colombia are being rerouted away from affected zones with alternative itineraries provided.

Hernan Acevedo, general manager for Colombia at Intrepid Travel, said: “Thousands of people across western Colombia are facing loss, uncertainty and urgent needs – especially access to medical care.

“In moments like this, solidarity can make an immediate and meaningful difference. We are asking for your help, by donating if you are able, or by sharing the appeal with your networks.”

Biheng Zhang, general manager of The Intrepid Foundation, added: “By giving to this appeal, the international travel community can directly contribute to the humanitarian relief efforts, supplying immediate medical needs to communities impacted by this devastating earthquake.”

Intrepid, which established a local destination management company in Bogota in 2019, operates eight itineraries across Colombia.

The operator stressed that trips in affected regions will resume at the earliest opportunity to help ensure local communities continue to receive vital economic support from tourism.