Fargo man raises money for Colombia earthquake relief as family members lose homes

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A Fargo resident whose family lives in one of Colombia’s hardest-hit earthquake zones has launched a fundraising campaign to help survivors in the region.

Monday’s magnitude 7.4 earthquake tore through western Colombia, killing at least 270 people and leaving nearly 400 others missing. Armenia, in the Quindío region, is among the hardest-hit areas—and it is home to the family of Fargo resident Nico Montes.

When Montes heard the news Monday morning, his first call was to his father, who still lives in Armenia. He said some family members lost their homes and have been staying with relatives.

“I got some family members that they lost their homes — so basically they’ve been just staying with other family members,” Montes said. “Everyone’s got each other’s back.”

Unable to watch from afar, Montes launched a GoFundMe to raise money for food, water, clothing, and other basic necessities for families in the area. Within days, the Fargo community helped him raise more than $1,500.

Montes said he has personal experience with earthquakes in the region.

“I lived through that before — and this one was worse than the one about 27 years ago,” he said. “So I know what they’re going through. I just felt that I had to do something.”

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said it is now compiling a list of specific needs for international aid as the window for rescue operations begins to close.

Montes said he wants those affected to know they have support beyond Fargo.

“Just want them to know that they’re not alone — it’s not just us here in Fargo,” he said. “The whole world knows what’s going on.”

Montes’ GoFundMe remains active. A link is available here.