A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing more than a hundred people. Alongside the US, the European Union has also offered assistance, while Bogotá organizes donation drives for the most affected.
The US State Department announced on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, that the Trump administration will send $15.5 million in emergency aid to Colombia. The funds are intended for emergency shelters, food, protection, and damage assessment following the catastrophic earthquake that struck the South American country early in the morning.
Washington has expressed solidarity with the Colombian people and stated it is ready to support President Abelardo De La Espriella's government in assessing needs on the ground, according to news agencies.
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck at a depth of 107 kilometers near the town of San Jose del Palmar in the sparsely populated province of Choco, on Colombia's Pacific coast. According to the US Geological Survey, tremors were felt across the country, including major cities, as well as in neighboring Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.
Casualty figures vary among sources. According to official data reported by the 24sata portal, at least 111 people have died and 87 have been injured. Turkey's Anadolu agency, however, reports at least 132 dead and hundreds of damaged buildings.
Bogotá's mayor, Carlos F. Galán, announced that six donation collection centers have been opened in the capital for the hardest-hit cities, including Pereira, Manizales, Cali, and Quibdó.
"Drinking water, blankets, covers, mattresses, non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, and first aid supplies are needed," Galán wrote on X, urging citizens to show solidarity. "Please, if you can donate, do so."
Reactions also came from across the Atlantic. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU is ready to provide additional assistance. "Tonight, Europe's heart is with the Colombian people after the terrible earthquake in the Choco region. We have already mobilized Copernicus, our satellite system, to facilitate rescue operations. And we are ready to provide additional aid," von der Leyen posted on social media.
Colombian President De La Espriella announced that a state of emergency would be declared later in the day. The earthquake caused widespread destruction, particularly in the coffee-growing tourist region and in Cali, the country's third-largest city.
