Cali residents queue for hours to donate blood after Colombia quake

In the aftermath of Monday's devastating earthquake in Colombia, residents of Cali, the hardest-hit city, have been turning out in large numbers to donate blood. Long queues formed outside Red Cross donation centres, with hundreds of people waiting under temporary tents to help replenish supplies for hospitals treating thousands of injured survivors.

The demand for blood transfusions has surged, as they are critical for trauma care in the affected areas. At a donation centre in western Cali, the line stretched outside the gates and onto the street in the morning, though staff noted it had eased by the afternoon.

Among those waiting was Cristian Henao, a first-time donor. He admitted to feeling nervous about the process but was motivated by the chance to help earthquake victims. "It scares me because, first, you don't know how much they're going to take, and the issue of needles obviously always makes you afraid," he said. "But I think that fades into the background when you understand the work behind it and how much you can help."

After waiting more than three hours, Henao completed registration and underwent a pre-donation health screening. He was ultimately unable to donate because his blood pressure was too high. Though disappointed, he said he planned to return when eligible. "They told me that in 15 days you can donate again, so I think I'll try again in 15 days too," he added.

The Colombian Red Cross has had to adapt its operations after its main blood bank facility at headquarters sustained structural damage in the earthquake. Donations are now being collected in parking areas, using both mobile vehicles and tents. Despite the disruption, the organisation collected 405 eligible units of blood on Tuesday.

Natalie Lara, a staff member with the Colombian Red Cross, praised the public's response. "Despite this, we have seen excellent public participation," she said. "The surrounding municipalities, along with the city of Cali, are also stepping up and volunteering to take part in these blood donation drives."

President Abelardo de la Espriella said Wednesday that the death toll had climbed to 265, with 3,494 people injured and 496 still missing. He added that more than 11,000 homes were destroyed nationwide and over 53,000 people have been affected by the disaster.