Colombia Earthquake: How to Support Relief and Recovery Efforts

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, leaving a trail of destruction across a wide area stretching from urban hubs like Cali and Pereira to the remote, rugged terrain of Chocó department. As of Thursday evening, authorities had confirmed more than 280 deaths, thousands of injuries, and nearly 11,000 destroyed homes. Rescue teams have pulled roughly 350 people from the rubble, but hundreds remain unaccounted for.

President Abelardo de la Espriella has pledged a robust government response, and aid organizations are mobilizing to fill gaps in shelter, supplies, and economic assistance. While Colombia's institutions are stronger than Venezuela's, where the interim government's response drew criticism, the sheer size of the affected area complicates relief efforts.

"Institutional capacity does not remove the humanitarian need," said Catalina Vargas, Colombia country director for CARE. "The most severely affected area, Chocó, is also one of the most isolated and underserved parts of the country, so access remains the binding constraint regardless of the strength of national institutions."

Experts urge cash donations over physical goods. "Unrequested product donations overwhelm communities and force responders to divert resources from life-saving work just to sort and store unwanted supplies," said Abe Diaz, head of disaster relief for Amazon.

Organizations Accepting Donations

• All Hands and Hearts has provided search-and-rescue tools to the Pereira fire department, plus blankets and rehydration supplies.
• CARE is focusing on food assistance through cash and vouchers, emergency supply kits, and protection and emotional support.
• Direct Relief is funding medical responders and preparing to deliver requested medications and supplies.
• GEM is partnering with local groups to provide essential kits with food, water, and hygiene items.
• Operation Blessing is providing food, water, and solar lanterns to displaced people.
• Save the Children has set up child-friendly spaces and begun psychosocial support activities.
• World Central Kitchen is serving food and water to displaced people, first responders, and volunteers, including in remote mountain communities.

Local and Regional Efforts

• Abaco Colombia, an association of 26 food banks, is distributing food across affected regions.
• Cruz Roja Colombiana (Colombian Red Cross) is conducting search-and-rescue, medical care, and psychosocial support.
• Fundación Solidaridad por Colombia is partnering with GEM to deliver relief supplies in Pereira.
• Fundación Semillas de Oportunidades is supporting families of young people in Chocó.
• Manos Visibles is helping restore at least 100 homes in Buenaventura.
• Presentes Corporation and Give to Colombia have launched the "Colombia Se Levanta" fund for U.S. donors.
• Refugio Huellas de Amor and Huellitas Callejeras Barranquilla are assisting rescue animals.

Benefit Concert

Latin music stars including Marc Anthony, Luis Fonsi, Chayanne, Feid, and Jay Wheeler will perform at an international benefit concert for Venezuela and Colombia on Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. EDT at Miami's Kaseya Center. The event will air live on Univision, ViX, WAPA, and TelevisaUnivision radio stations. Viewers can donate via on-screen QR codes, texting UNIDOS to 707070, or visiting univision.org. Proceeds will go to All Hands and Hearts, CARE, GEM, TECHO, and World Central Kitchen.