Bogotá/Panama City/Geneva, 11 August 2026 — The Colombia earthquake response remains underway as Colombian Red Cross teams continue supporting communities affected by the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday morning. Rescue operations, emergency assessments and humanitarian coordination remain active as authorities gather more information about the impact.
Red Cross teams focus on search and rescue
The earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in Chocó Department and generated strong shaking across large parts of Colombia. People in neighbouring countries also reported feeling the earthquake. Several aftershocks have followed the main event, adding further challenges for emergency teams working in affected communities.
For the Colombian Red Cross, protecting lives remains the immediate priority. The organization has activated its National Crisis Room and deployed specialized search-and-rescue personnel. Teams from Antioquia, Quindío and Caldas are participating in the emergency response, while 30 responders from Antioquia have travelled to Chocó to support operations in one of the hardest-hit areas.
Damage assessments continue across affected areas
Initial reports indicate damage to homes, schools, healthcare facilities, roads and bridges. Some buildings have also collapsed. However, emergency agencies continue to assess the situation, so information about casualties and structural damage remains preliminary and may change as rescue teams reach more communities.
Meanwhile, access to some affected areas remains difficult, particularly in Chocó. Damage to transportation routes and disruptions affecting airports are complicating logistics and slowing the movement of emergency personnel and supplies.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has activated its readiness plan for large-scale emergencies. It is assessing the situation and determining how best to strengthen the Colombian Red Cross response as teams continue gathering information from affected communities.
Read Original: Colombia earthquake update – Red Cross response ongoing
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