# Colombia earthquake humanitarian response

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-earthquake-humanitarian-response
> Updated: 2026-08-17T11:07:45.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in San José del Palmar, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched a $30 million emergency appeal to support the Colombian Red Cross. The appeal aims to provide aid to approximately 24,000 people over a 24-month period. Prior to this, the IFRC released $1.2 million from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund for immediate assistance.

The seismic event has impacted at least 14 departments. Humanitarian efforts are prioritizing Chocó, Risaralda, Caldas, and Valle del Cauca, where needs are reported to be most acute. 

Authorities have noted that the earthquake's depth caused widespread damage across urban and rural areas. The impact is exacerbated by structural vulnerabilities in rural regions, where many buildings lack strict anti-seismic regulations or suffer from poor maintenance. Furthermore, the delivery of medical assistance has been complicated by damage to numerous health centers.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Red Cross launches 24-month aid appeal for Colombia earthquake

The Red Cross has launched a 24-month emergency appeal for Colombia following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that has damaged infrastructure across 14 departments.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/red-cross-launches-24-month-aid-appeal-for-colombia-earthquake

### 2026-08-12: Red Cross requests $30 million for Colombia earthquake relief

The IFRC has requested $30 million to support the Colombian Red Cross in providing humanitarian aid to 24,000 earthquake victims over the next two years.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/red-cross-requests-30-million-for-colombia-earthquake-relief

### 2026-08-04: Colombian Red Cross marks 111 years; Davivienda backs Salvadoran Red Cross

Colombian Red Cross marked 111 years with extensive flood relief, while Davivienda Seguros renewed a US$10,000 partnership with the Salvadoran Red Cross for emergency preparedness and prevention campaigns.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombian-red-cross-marks-111-years-davivienda-backs-salvadoran-red-cross

---
Cite as: Colombia earthquake humanitarian response. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colombia-earthquake-humanitarian-response