Colombia Earthquake Response and Recovery

Just six weeks after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela, neighboring Colombia was struck by a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake on the morning of Monday, Aug. 10, severely affecting the cities of Cali, Pereira and Manizales.
Tragically, more than 200 people have lost their lives, with about 4,000 people missing and nearly 2,000 people injured, but those numbers are expected to rise. Many people have also been displaced, with approximately 8,300 homes reportedly damaged. Additionally, hundreds of homes, schools and health care facilities have collapsed.
The Colombia earthquake struck just a few weeks after twin earthquakes devastated neighboring Venezuela, killing more than 6,000 people.
People living in informal settlements, families with young children, older people, those living with disabilities and communities with poor infrastructure and limited emergency preparedness are disproportionately affected by this disaster.
Photo: Damage to Cali’s University Hospital, where some patients were trapped underneath the rubble and many were rushed outside to be treated in tents, Colombia, August 11, 2026. (Photo by Project HOPE staff, 2026. Used with permission.)