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Colombia Earthquake 2026

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on the morning of August 10, causing significant damage across several regions. The earthquake damaged roads, health centres, homes, schools, an airport, and other critical infrastructure in major cities including Cali, Quibdó, and Pereira. The Government of Colombia has declared a national disaster situation, while access remains difficult in many affected areas.

The most urgent needs include evacuation assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation services, generators, field hospitals and temporary health infrastructure, medication, and medical supplies.

How the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is helping people impacted by the earthquakes in Colombia

The Colombian Red Cross has activated its National Crisis Room and telecommunications systems. They are coordinating closely with authorities to support affected communities. Since the earthquake struck, teams have mobilized across Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Quindío, and Caldas to deliver life-saving assistance.

More than 22,000 humanitarian relief items have been distributed, including temporary shelter supplies, food, hygiene kits, and cooking sets.

Colombian Red Cross teams have conducted search and rescue operations and are currently:

  • Providing triage, primary healthcare, and emergency medical support in affected communities.
  • Distributing emergency relief items, including shelter materials, food, and hygiene supplies.
  • Delivering mental health and psychosocial support to people impacted by the earthquake.
  • Supporting health education activities focused on disease prevention, hygiene, sanitation, self-care, and earthquake safety.
  • Deploying satellite communications equipment to help restore connectivity in affected areas.
  • Helping families reconnect with loved ones through Restoring Family Links services.

To support the response, the Colombian Red Cross has also provided power-generation equipment to health facilities in Risaralda and Dos Quebradas.

How the Canadian Red Cross is supporting the Colombia Earthquake response

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is supporting the Colombian Red Cross with technical expertise, assessments, coordination, and operational capacity.

Working with the Canadian Red Cross, the Government of Canada has provided funding to support the Colombian Red Cross and the IFRC emergency response as they continue delivering critical assistance to people impacted by the earthquake.

The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of collaborating with Red Cross partners throughout the Americas. We remain in close contact with our Movement partners and stand ready to provide additional support as requested.

People in Canada wishing to help are encouraged to make a donation to the Canadian Red Cross Colombia Earthquake Appeal.

Donate Now 

The Red Cross is working to get help to those impacted by the earthquake in Colombia as quickly as possible. Money raised will enable the Red Cross to support immediate relief, recovery efforts, and resilience, as well as preparedness and relief activities for future events in impacted and surrounding areas. As urgent needs are met in this crisis, funds may be used to support readiness and response to future disasters.