A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on 10 August 2026, causing widespread damage, collapsing buildings and forcing thousands of people into the streets.
The earthquake’s epicentre was near San José del Palmar, around 280 kilometres west of Bogotá. Strong shaking was reported across several cities, including Cali, where buildings were damaged and residents fled for safety.
In the hours that followed, the Universal Church in Colombia launched an emergency humanitarian response, mobilising volunteers, collecting donations and supporting families and rescue teams in some of the hardest-hit areas.
171 Universal Churches Become Donation Collection Points
As the scale of the disaster became clearer, all 171 Universal Churches across Colombia began serving as collection points for humanitarian donations.
The most urgent needs included:
- Drinking water
- Non-perishable food
- Personal hygiene products
- Medicines
- Clothing
- Medical supplies
Within the first 24 hours, the campaign had already collected 45 tonnes of groceries and essential supplies for affected communities.
Support efforts were concentrated particularly in the departments of Risaralda, Caldas and Valle del Cauca, including the cities of Pereira, Manizales and Cali.
Volunteers Support Families in Cali
Cali was among the cities severely affected by the earthquake, with at least 20 buildings reported to have collapsed.
In the El Refugio neighbourhood, a team of 17 volunteers worked alongside rescue groups, monitored conditions on the ground and supported families who remained in the area.
One of the most immediate concerns was the lack of clean drinking water.
Volunteers distributed bottled water at several points across the city, initially helping around 350 people.
The effort also extended to emergency workers. Volunteers provided breakfast and lunch to brigade members involved in rescue operations and assisting victims.
Emergency Support Reaches Pereira
The humanitarian response also reached Pereira, the capital of Risaralda.
Volunteers went into the streets shortly after the earthquake to assist people who had been displaced or were unable to return to their homes.
During the first day of the response, around 250 meals were distributed along with clothing, medicines and nappies.
For families suddenly facing uncertainty, displacement and loss, these supplies offered immediate practical support.
Thousands Receive Humanitarian Assistance
The response continued to grow in the days that followed.
An updated report from the Universal Church stated that the humanitarian effort eventually reached 23,107 people, supported by 904 volunteers.
The assistance included:
- 43,503 bottles of water
- 37,790 meals
- 2,384 items of clothing
- 9,162 medicines
- 10,508 medical supplies
- 1,882 saline solutions
- 3,625 personal hygiene kits
- 45 tonnes of non-perishable food
The relief effort remained focused on the regions most affected by the earthquake, while volunteers continued supporting families and teams involved in search, rescue and reconstruction work.
Supporting Communities Beyond the Immediate Emergency
The earthquake left many buildings partially or completely destroyed, while residents remained concerned about aftershocks.
CNN reported that the earthquake generated strong shaking across western Colombia, with aftershocks of magnitude 5.0 and above also recorded after the initial event.
For affected communities, recovery involves more than the first few days of emergency assistance.
Families may need ongoing access to food, water, shelter, medical support and help rebuilding their daily lives.
The Universal Church stated that its humanitarian support would continue for as long as necessary, working alongside local communities and emergency teams during the recovery process.
Faith Expressed Through Practical Help
The mobilisation in Colombia reflects an important principle of Christian faith: caring for people in times of need.
The Bible says:
“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.”
Matthew 25:35
In moments of disaster, practical help can become a powerful expression of compassion.
Through food, water, clothing, medical supplies and the service of hundreds of volunteers, support continues to reach families facing one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Standing With the People of Colombia
As Colombia continues to recover from the earthquake, the Universal Church remains involved in humanitarian assistance and spiritual support for affected communities.
What began as an emergency response in the hours following the disaster has developed into a wider effort to help families rebuild and recover.
For those affected, the road ahead may be difficult, but the continued support of volunteers, emergency workers, communities and organisations is helping bring practical relief and hope.
