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Devastating earthquake in Colombia

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Earthquake in Colombia  

On August 10, 2026, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia. The earthquake destroyed homes and schools, damaged community spaces and left thousands of children, families and communities facing displacement and uncertainty.   

·       An estimated 1.9 million people live in the area most affected by the earthquake.  

An estimated 1.2 million people are in need of shelter, water, sanitation, healthcare and other immediate aid items.  

More than 300 people lost their lives, and more than 4,500 people were injured.

Families and children have lost everything   

In Colombia, SOS Children’s Villages has provided safe homes and loving families to children without parental care and strengthened families to prevent separation for more than 55 years.

After the catastrophic earthquake, our established presence in Cali, Valle del Cauca and Chocó allowed us to respond immediately in some of the hardest hit areas.

But the impact of the earthquake extends far beyond the loss of homes and belongings. For thousands of families, schools and essential services have been disrupted, livelihoods affected, and daily life upended. Many are now facing displacement, grief, fear and uncertainty as they begin to rebuild their lives.

The humanitarian needs are extensive. But we are committed to standing by vulnerable children and families in Colombia throughout this crisis. Together with you, we can protect them from violence, malnutrition, family separation and exploitation—all of which are more likely to occur in the chaos caused by the earthquake.  

 

Help a child in Colombia

Our collective impact in Colombia

With the support of compassionate people like you, SOS Children’s Villages has launched an emergency relief plan to provide critical and life-saving assistance to more than 5,900 families and children in Cali, Valle del Cauca, and Quibdó and Lloró, Chocó. Together, we can help those who need us most by:  

  • Meeting families’ most urgent needs—like food, clean water, temporary shelter, clothing and hygiene products.  

  • Providing psychological support and counseling so families, children and caregivers can heal from trauma.

  • Delivering safe educational spaces and restored routines for children through child-friendly spaces.    

  • Coordinating with families to provide individualized early recovery and case management support.

How you can help children now 

Donate to the Children in Crisis Fund  

Children need immediate aid to escape the devastating effects of this earthquake. Your gift to the Children in Crisis Fund saves lives—providing food, shelter and psychological care to the most vulnerable.  

Join the SOS Guardians  

Join the SOS Guardians and your compassionate monthly support will shield children in crisis worldwide. Your commitment delivers life-saving aid in the hardest to reach places when and where children need you most.