Inditex announced on Monday a donation of 5 billion Colombian pesos, or €1.37 million, to help people affected by the earthquake in Colombie. The payment is being channelled through the Croix-Rouge espagnole, in coordination with the Fédération internationale des sociétés de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge (FICR).
The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombie on 10 August, becoming the deadliest and most destructive the country has experienced this century. According to the latest toll from the Unité nationale de gestion des risques de catastrophe (UNGRD), it has left at least 298 dead, 3,935 injured, and 320 people remain missing. The affected areas include the urban centres of Cali and Pereira, as well as remote regions of the Chocó department.
According to Inditex, this contribution is intended to strengthen the emergency health response and ensure continuity of health services in the affected areas. The funds will notably be used to deploy specialised personnel and mobile health services, as well as to purchase medical equipment and supplies.
The group operates around 60 stores in Colombie, under the Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius and Oysho banners, according to its latest annual results. Inditex has also opened a voluntary donation channel for its employees in Espagne, whose contributions will be added to the company's payment to the Colombian Red Cross.
