Colombia Earthquake
People Helped
Humanitarian Needs
On August 10, 2026, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit western Colombia, resulting in landslides and widespread damage to critical infrastructure. A magnitude 4.2 aftershock struck Chocó three days after the initial earthquake, limiting efforts to restore utilities. People in more than 395 municipalities were left without homes, clean water or medical access.
As of August 13, the earthquake had killed at least 273 people, injured 3,824 more, and left 377 people missing. The earthquake damaged 216 health centres, destroyed more than 12,500 homes and damaged nearly 75,000 more. Humanitarian support is urgently needed.
Humanitarian Response
Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) has been operating in Colombia since 2002 in both humanitarian and development contexts. They have successfully implemented projects in sectors including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), shelter, protection, livelihoods, and gender-based violence prevention and response.
To address urgent needs after the earthquake, CLWR is distributing water filters and water storage tanks to 100 households in Las Palmas, Medrano, and surrounding areas of Quibdó. Moreover, debris-removal kits including tools like shovels, wheelbarrows and buckets will be provided to 1,500 households. These kits will help families to clear rubble and debris from their homes as a first step towards recovery.
Our response to small and medium-scale disasters is co-funded by Global Affairs Canada, the member agency delivering the assistance, and donations to the Humanitarian Coalition. Your gift will help us be ready for the next disaster. Donate today.