# Humanitarian crises in Colombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/humanitarian-crises-in-colombia
> Updated: 2026-08-29T03:10:01.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 2.

Colombia is experiencing multifaceted humanitarian crises driven by natural disasters and ongoing armed conflict. In early August, authorities in Guaviare and Casanare declared humanitarian emergencies and public calamities following intense rains, floods, and landslides. These events isolated rural communities by closing river transport routes, disrupting food supplies, and impacting local economies.

Parallel to these environmental emergencies, the country faces a severe crisis linked to long-term violence. Data from the Unidad de Búsqueda de Personas dadas por Desaparecidas indicates that at least 137,000 people have disappeared due to conflict since 1921. In the Chocó department, communities are dealing with the combined impact of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake and escalating violence between armed groups, such as the ELN and Clan del Golfo, which has resulted in forced displacements and the use of explosive drones.

Between January and July 2026, reports from the Defensoría del Pueblo noted 77 massacres and the murder of 90 social leaders, totaling 300 deaths. Additionally, the period saw 97 cases of forced recruitment of minors, particularly in Cauca, Norte de Santander, and Nariño.

## Claims

- 99 new cases of disappearance were documented, including 36 children and adolescents. (disputed by 4 sources)
- At least 137,000 people have disappeared due to the armed conflict in Colombia since 1921. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- 48.5% of the recorded disappearance cases occurred during the decade of the 2000s. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- 2,659 people have disappeared in conflict-related circumstances since the 2016 peace agreement. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The departments with the highest number of reported disappearances are Valle del Cauca, Antioquia, and Meta. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Chocó department is facing a complex humanitarian crisis due to armed violence and the consequences of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 90 social leaders were murdered and 77 massacres occurred between January and July, resulting in 300 deaths. (single source)
- 97 cases of forced recruitment of minors were identified during the first seven months of 2026. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Colombia faces humanitarian crisis from armed conflict and regional violence

Colombia faces a severe humanitarian crisis marked by 137,000 conflict-related disappearances since 1921, rising violence in Chocó following an earthquake, and increased killings of social leaders.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-reports-137000-disappearances-linked-to-armed-conflict-since-1921

### 2026-08-03: Colombia declares humanitarian emergencies in Guaviare and Casanare as floods isolate communities

Colombia's Guaviare and Casanare departments face humanitarian emergencies after floods cut off transport and displaced thousands, prompting government aid and Red Cross assistance.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-declares-humanitarian-emergencies-in-guaviare-and-casanare-as-floods-isolate-communities

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Cite as: Humanitarian crises in Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/humanitarian-crises-in-colombia