The Red Cross Huila Section warns of a financial crisis that could lead to its closure, due to lost contracts and a $650 million debt from the Neiva Mayor's Office. Its president, Gustavo Enrique Almario Mayor, urges immediate funds to sustain essential humanitarian operations. Mayor German Casagua acknowledges the debt but attributes it to an inherited deficit.
The Red Cross Huila Section is enduring its worst financial crisis, at risk of halting all operations without urgent support. Gustavo Enrique Almario Mayor, the entity's president, explains that the loss of government contracts and lack of new agreements have depleted cash flow. "In these moments the financial part is in crisis; we have no cash flow," Almario stated, noting that this endangers programs for emergencies, natural disasters, health needs, and community training in Neiva and the department.
The main trigger is a $650 million debt from the Neiva Mayor's Office, covering two months from the previous administration of Gorky Muñoz and four from the current one under German Casagua. This amount, per the Red Cross, would enable operations for a few more months. Additionally, the entity requires $800 million to cover salaries, supplier debts, and basic community actions. In 2024, the section delivered $2.5 billion in humanitarian efforts, including yellow fever projects and primary health care.
The crisis worsens amid the winter season and alerts for Puracé volcano, where the Red Cross typically responds swiftly, but its capacity is now limited. "We don't want the Puracé volcano to present any inconvenience," Almario pointed out. The section has notified the national Red Cross and seeks external aid, including a $250 million project with the 6CR.
Mayor Casagua acknowledged the debt, linking it to an inherited $89 billion deficit, of which they have paid over $50 billion. "All that is related to the $89 billion deficit we received," he said, pledging support for the Red Cross. Meanwhile, the section enforces total austerity and organizes a Solidarity Banquet on December 11 to raise funds, with tickets at $50,000.
Closure would result in 30 direct jobs and 50 indirect ones lost, severely impacting humanitarian response in the region.