A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on August 10, 2026, affecting more than 20,000 people. According to official figures, 181 people have died, 195 are missing and more than 2,700 have been injured. The hardest-hit areas include Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, and Caldas.
The earthquake is one of several emergencies affecting children in Colombia. See this short clip of UNICEF staff on the ground in the country https://www.linkedin.com/posts/unicef_the-earthquake-in-colombia-has-aff...
In 2025, UNICEF delivered humanitarian assistance across Colombia, reaching more than 25,000 people with primary health services, screened 14,000 children for malnutrition, and provided more than 10,000 children and adolescents with access to education.
In 2026, an estimated 10.3 million people, including 3.7 million children, are expected to need humanitarian assistance. The earthquake has compounded challenges for children and families in communities already facing poverty, inequality, armed conflict, and climate-related emergencies.
UNICEF response includes:
• Preparing to provide water, sanitation and hygiene supplies for 25,000 people in Chocó
• Working with the Colombian Family Welfare Institute to strengthen child protection prevention and response measures
• Coordinating with the Ministry of Education to help ensure that children can return to safe learning environments
UNICEF is working urgently to help children and families recover from this devastating disaster. Your flexible support will be directed to the areas of greatest need and to help UNICEF provide vital aid to children worldwide.
