Vancouver’s Colombian community gathers to mourn earthquake victims

Members of Vancouver’s Colombian community gathered Thursday to mourn loved ones and support one another after the Aug. 10 earthquake in Colombia.

Sebastian Alvarez placed a candle at the Vancouver Art Gallery for seven relatives killed in the quake. He said his family had travelled to Colombia to introduce relatives to a one-year-old child, who was also lost in the disaster.

Kiry Garcia said she learned through Facebook that a lifelong friend died after falling debris struck him while he was trying to help colleagues. Her family later confirmed they were safe, but her childhood home was among the destroyed buildings.

The report says 400 people remain missing in Colombia, more than 10,000 homes have been destroyed and more than 150 aftershocks have been recorded as rescue and recovery work continues.