When a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the mountainous region of Valverde in early 2023, it left more than just physical destruction. It shattered the hopes and livelihoods of over 500 families who had called this area home for generations. This is the story of how a community, with support from CCDI Humanitarian, transformed tragedy into an opportunity for sustainable rebirth.
It was 3:47 AM on January 12, 2023, when the ground began to shake violently. For 45 seconds that felt like an eternity, buildings crumbled, roads split open, and centuries-old community structures disappeared into rubble.
"I woke up to the sound of my house collapsing around me. In the darkness, all I could think about was my children. That morning, we lost everything except each other."
Within hours of the disaster, CCDI's emergency response team was mobilized. Our first priority: search and rescue operations, followed by immediate shelter, food, and medical assistance.
The initial phase focused on life-saving interventions:
But emergency relief was just the beginning. We knew that true recovery would require a long-term commitment to rebuilding not just structures, but lives, livelihoods, and community spirit.
Instead of imposing external solutions, we worked hand-in-hand with community members to design a recovery plan that reflected their needs, strengths, and vision for the future.
Local artisans developed earthquake-resistant building techniques using locally-sourced materials, combining traditional knowledge with modern engineering principles.
The reconstruction phase created 250 local jobs, with priority given to those who had lost their livelihoods. Training programs in sustainable construction ensured skills that would last beyond the rebuilding period.
True recovery meant creating sustainable economic opportunities. We implemented several initiatives:
Formed 5 farmer cooperatives with training in climate-resilient farming techniques
Built a central marketplace where local artisans and farmers can sell their products
Established a training center offering courses in carpentry, electrical work, and IT skills
Eighteen months after the earthquake, the transformation is remarkable:
"Before the earthquake, I worked as a day laborer with no stability. Today, I own a construction business employing 15 people from our community. The training I received changed not just my life, but my entire family's future."
The Valverde recovery project demonstrates that with the right approach, disasters can become catalysts for positive transformation. By investing in people, respecting local knowledge, and fostering community ownership, we can build back better, stronger, and more resilient.
This journey continues as the community takes full ownership of their development, with CCDI transitioning to an advisory role. The seeds planted in crisis have grown into sustainable systems that will benefit generations to come.
