Children Change Colombia is ready to deliver immediate assistance to those affected. We have supported emergencies in Chocó since 2020.
On 10 August 2026, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake has severely affected communities across the region, damaging homes, buildings and critical infrastructure.
At least 300 people have lost their lives and more than 4,000 people have been injured, with rescue and emergency response efforts continuing as the full extent of the damage becomes clear.
We are launching an emergency appeal to support those most affected.
A devastating earthquake leaves communities in urgent need
The earthquake’s epicentre was near San José del Palmar in Chocó, with severe impacts reported across western Colombia, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales.
Homes and buildings have collapsed or been seriously damaged, while roads, hospitals, airports and other critical infrastructure have also been affected. In some communities, rescue teams are still searching for people trapped under rubble, while families are facing the immediate loss of their homes, belongings and livelihoods.
The Colombian Government has declared a national emergency as authorities, emergency services and volunteers work to rescue survivors and deliver assistance. The situation remains fluid, with aftershocks and disrupted infrastructure creating additional challenges for affected communities.
Children and families are particularly vulnerable
In the aftermath of a disaster, children can face heightened risks to their safety and wellbeing. Displacement, loss of family homes, disrupted education and the trauma of experiencing a disaster can have lasting consequences.
For families already facing poverty or inequality, recovering from the loss of a home, income or access to essential services can be even more difficult.
Urgent support is needed to help families meet their immediate needs while communities begin the long road to recovery.
Urgent needs
Initial priorities include:
- Emergency supplies: Essential items to support families who have lost or been forced to leave their homes.
- Food and basic necessities: Support for families facing immediate shortages following the disaster.
- Health and hygiene: Essential supplies to help protect the health and wellbeing of affected communities.
- Psychosocial support: Support for children and caregivers experiencing trauma, loss and displacement.
- Support for recovery: Assistance to help children and families begin rebuilding their lives once immediate emergency needs have been met.
The full impact of this disaster is still unfolding. For families who have lost their homes, belongings or sense of security, the road to recovery will be long.
Your donation can help children and families affected by the earthquake access vital support and begin rebuilding their lives.
More information and resources
- “At least 132 killed in Colombia’s largest earthquake in years” BBC Coverage by José Carlos Cueto , BBC News Mundo correspondent, Reporting from Bogotá, Vanessa Buschschlüter, Latin America online editor and Michael Sheils McNamee https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20e360lx0vo
- CNN World Live Coverage https://edition.cnn.com/2026/08/10/world/live-news/colombia-earthquake-san-jose-del-palmar
- ABC News coverage By Somayeh Malekian, Aicha El Hammar Castano, and Meredith Deliso https://abcnews.com/International/colombia-earthquake-fatalities-buildings-collapsed/story?id=135518897
Fundraisers and Events
Thank you to our wonderful community for helping us fundraise and reach more people. Through fundraising events and personal pages to help us spread the word about our appeal, we thank you for amplifying the need of the victims of the earthquake.
LatinoLife and Children Change Colombia are bringing the Colombian community together for a special afternoon of music, culture, family activities and solidarity.
This free family fundraising event will raise funds for our emergency appeal and celebrate the incredible strength of the Colombian community in London.
📅 Sunday 13 September
📍 The Garden at Vauxhall
🎟️ Free tickets [BOOK YOUR TICKET]
A charity event organised by the Colombian and British community in London, supporting communities affected by the earthquake that struck Colombia on 11 August.
📅 Date: Saturday 26 September 2026, 1:00pm–8:00pm
📍 Venue: Saint Gabriel’s College, Langton Road, London SW9 6UL
The event will bring together dozens of artists donating their time and talent, alongside chefs, entrepreneurs and volunteers from the community.
