08.11.2026
Colombia Earthquake: How to Help
Project HOPE is assessing humanitarian needs after a deadly earthquake struck near Cali, Colombia. Learn more about our response and how you can help
On the morning of August 10, 2026, a deadly 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, 150 miles west of the capital city of Bogotá. This was the strongest earthquake to hit Colombia since 2016
There have been dozens of aftershocks and damage is widespread across western Colombia, with many collapsed buildings, disrupted communications, and significant impacts on critical infrastructure, including health centers. Over 8,300 homes have been damaged, hundreds of people have been killed, and over 2,500 are injured
Project HOPE is assessing health conditions and identifying the most urgent humanitarian needsso that health workers can continue saving lives and families can begin to stabilize after this major disaster. Read on to learn more about how you can help
What you need to know in Colombia
A deadly 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, 150 miles west of the capital city of Bogotá in San José del Palmar. This was the strongest earthquake to strike Colombia in a decade, and it hit early in the morning as children were heading to school and people were commuting to work
As of August 11, 2026, at least 250 people have been killed and at least 2,595 are injured. Thousands are still reported missing, and the death toll is expected to climb in the coming days as families continue to search for loved ones
The destruction is widespread across western Colombia,with at least 355 municipalities across 12 departments reporting damage. More than 150 buildings have collapsed, including the wing of a hospital, and over 8,300 homes have been damaged, with 1,100 homes completely destroyed. Roads are damaged, internet connectivity is down in some areas, and at least 24 health centers and 557 educational institutions have been impacted
Significant damage has been reported as far as 100 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, where 45 buildings have partially or wholly collapsed. Across the affected region, reports show overwhelmed health centers, residents digging at rubble with their bare hands, and families desperately searching for loved ones
How is Project HOPE responding to the earthquake in Colombia?
Project HOPE started assessing health facilities just hours after the earthquake struck, surveying the partially collapsed Hospital Universitario del Valle Evaristo García in Cali, where health workers have had to set up tents outside to treat the injured
Our team in Colombia is continuing to assess the most urgent needsof earthquake-affected communities and will distribute hygiene supplies, water, and other essential items in the coming days
“People are scared of aftershocks — but despite their fears, health workers are continuing to provide lifesaving care in cracked buildings. In the coming days, we need to have their backs so they can keep doing their jobs and see that they aren’t alone.”
– Chessa Latifi, Project HOPE Deputy Director of Emergency Preparedness & Response
Project HOPE has extensive experience responding to earthquakes around the globe. We aim to address both urgent and long-term needs, stabilize local health systems, and ensure families have adequate access to primary healthcare; mental health and psychosocial support (including psychological first aid); shelter; and water, sanitation, and hygiene
What are the greatest needs following the earthquake in Colombia?
Prior to the earthquake, nearly 7 million people in Colombia already needed humanitarian support. The widespread devastation is expected to drive humanitarian needs even higher as families face displacement, disrupted services, loss of income, and reduced access to basic necessities
“The situation is devastating. Buildings have collapsed far from the epicenter, raising everyone’s fears of future aftershocks, especially as connectivity is a challenge in the more rural areas.”
– Chessa Latifi, Project HOPE Deputy Director of Emergency Preparedness & Response
Roads have been damaged, water and electricity have been disrupted in some areas, and limited internet and phone connectivity is making it more difficult for frontline responders to assess damage in rural areas
As the days tick on, families will continue searching for missing loved ones, and health workers will be working around the clock
Many health centers are overwhelmed, with thousands of people injured and many still trapped beneath the rubble. Some residents are afraid to go inside for fear of future shaking, and families report children being terrified of aftershocks. As this crisis continues, the need for psychological first aid is becoming clear
What is Project HOPE’s history in Colombia?
Project HOPE first began its work to strengthen healthcare in Colombia in 1995, when we helped establish a regional emergency medical system at the request of local government, health facilities, and university partners
In 2018, Project HOPE began responding to the urgent needs of host communities, Venezuelan migrants, and refugees living along the Colombia-Venezuela border in the Norte de Santander department. Since then, we have continued to expand access to health services in Cúcuta, Villa del Rosario, and other municipalities in Norte de Santander, working in coordination with local health authorities
Over the years, our work in Colombia has included providing primary and maternal healthcare, distributing hygiene kits, operating mental health and psychosocial support, conducting health brigades, connecting displaced families with social work and support services, repairing water and hygiene infrastructure, and supporting health workers with equipment and training
How you can help Colombia
The earthquake in Colombia has displaced thousands of people and entire communities have been made vulnerable by this crisis. If you want to help, here’s how you can get involved:
1. Make a lifesaving gift to support our work now and for the future
2. Interested in an employee giving campaign for Colombia? Please contact us — we are happy to help
3. Stay up-to-date on this story and our lifesaving work around the world by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter, and help spread the word about our response
Volunteering: At this time, we are not seeking volunteers to deploy to our response in Colombia. This is an ongoing response and needs may change. We encourage interested parties to submit an application with our volunteer emergency response database and we will reach out if your specialty is requested
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