Colombia: Deadly earthquake affects thousands and compounds severe humanitarian needs

“This is a tragedy. I extend our deepest solidarity to the families of those who have lost their lives and to the entire country,” said Giovanni Rizzo, Country Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Colombia.  

Following one of the strongest earthquakes to strike the country in the last decade, the government has declared a state of national disaster. 

The western and central-western departments have been the hardest hit, including Caldas, Chocó, Quindío, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca.  

According to preliminary assessments, more than 180 people have lost their lives and 1.300 were wounded, more than 1,575 homes were affected; 61 buildings collapsed, and at least 84 health centres and 550 education centres were damaged or affected. Roads have also been damaged, and at least seven airports have been closed. 

“The current figures are preliminary and are expected to increase when we get a better overview of the impact. There is an urgent need for humanitarian assistance, and this will likely include water, food, temporary shelter and health services,” Rizzo added. “Several NRC colleagues have been affected, and some have seen their own homes damaged and are waiting to find out if it is safe to return. This is a reality currently shared by thousands of people across the country.”  

Damage is widespread, and the immediate priority for the Colombian state right now is to save the lives of dozens of people currently trapped in collapsed structures or reported missing. 

“Coordination will be key for us to respond effectively to the needs identified by national and local authorities and communities. We stand fully ready to help support those most in need”, said Rizzo. 

“This earthquake compounds an already severe humanitarian situation, and there is a need for increased support for the humanitarian response”. 

Notes to editors: 

• A devastating earthquake struck western Colombia Monday, 10 August. 

• Antioquia, Boyacá, Cauca, Caldas, Cundinamarca, Chocó, Huila, Putumayo, Quindío, Risaralda, Tolima and Valle del Cauca are affected (UN OCHA). 

• Preliminary data show that more than 181 people have lost their lives and 1.310 were wounded (Association of Colombian Capital Cities). 

• 1,575 homes were affected, 61 buildings collapsed, and at least 20 health centres and 550 education centres were damaged or affected. Roads have also been damaged, and at least seven airports have been closed (Association of Capital Cities). 

• More than 550 education centres were damaged or affected (UN OCHA). 

• Life-saving humanitarian priorities focus on securing safe temporary shelter, emergency shelter kits, and safe drinking water for families who have been affected or left with uninhabitable homes, alongside emergency food distribution. Specialized mental health and psychosocial support is needed (UN OCHA). 

• Thousands of children have already been notified of the temporary suspension of classes. It will be critical to start providing safe spaces as soon as possible so that children and teachers can access emotional recovery and receive the necessary support during these times. 

• NRC has been operational in Colombia since 2005, and last year the organisation assisted more than 143.000 people across the country (NRC). 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: 

• NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329 

• Ana Milena Ayala Sanchez, advocacy and communication officer in Colombia:  ana.ayala@nrc.no, +57 3232746021