Published on: 2026-08-10
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
August 10, 2026 Humanitarian aid
As a result of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that occurred on Monday in Colombia, at least 111 people, including children, have died. The earthquake caused landslides and inflicted serious damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. Rescuers continue their work – people remain trapped under the rubble.
UN teams in Colombia are maintaining communication with the country’s authorities and the national disaster risk management agency.
Speaking today at a briefing for journalists in New York, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq stated that the Organization is monitoring events closely and is ready to provide Colombia with the necessary support.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this earthquake. We are ready to provide the necessary assistance,” Hak said.
The earthquake occurred at approximately 7:34 AM local time. Its epicenter was located near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, close to the border with the Valle del Cauca department.
Underground tremors were felt over a large area of Colombia, as well as in neighboring countries including Panama, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
The death toll is rising as search and rescue operations continue. According to preliminary data, residential houses and other buildings have collapsed in several settlements, and people are still trapped under the rubble.
Hack also noted that limited communication in rural areas makes it difficult to assess all the consequences of the earthquake, so the full extent of the damage remains unknown for now.
Most affected areas
The mayor of Pereira, a city located about 56 km from the disaster’s epicenter, reported 18 deaths. Rescuers continue searching for survivors.
In Cali, the third largest city in the country, authorities reported numerous landslides that buried people and requested additional assistance for rescue operations.
Damage has also been inflicted on transport infrastructure. Several airports in western Colombia have suspended operations to inspect safety conditions.
Evacuation orders were issued even in the country’s capital, Bogotá, located about 400 km east of San José del Palmar.
The tragedy occurred just three days after Abelardo de la Espriella took office as president. The government has activated emergency response mechanisms and continues to assess the damage and needs in the affected areas.
The UN is ready to provide assistance
Representatives of the UN system in Colombia stated that its teams will continue to maintain contact with national institutions as the scale of humanitarian needs becomes clearer.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has reported that it has resources to support the efforts of the government and national emergency services.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) stated that it is in close contact with national authorities.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is also monitoring the situation and is ready to support response measures, including providing assistance to people who have been forced to leave their homes.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated that it is assessing the consequences of the earthquake and is ready to provide assistance in coordination with authorities and other partners.
Please be advised; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.