On August 10, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia in San José del Palmar in the Chocó province, devastating the western half of the country. More than one month after the impact, at least 466,000 people remain affected and more than 200,000 homes have been damaged.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, HIAS Colombia mobilized our teams to assess needs, work with partner organizations, and deliver emergency aid to displaced people. HIAS’ efforts have focused on providing temporary housing, food and hygiene kits, and direct cash assistance to those in need.
As the situation evolves, HIAS Colombia will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to survivors where it is needed most.
How has the earthquake affected people in Colombia?
The earthquake was one of the deadliest in Colombia’s history, killing at least 331 people and injuring more than 4,500, with 111 people still missing. The provinces of Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, Chocó, Quindío, and Caldas were hit hardest by the earthquake. There was also significant damage to homes, health centers, and educational institutions. Communities in rural areas have been particularly affected by the earthquake.
In the rural communities of Naranjal and Primavera in northeastern Colombia, where HIAS is working, families are facing difficult conditions. Many have limited access to water, electricity, and the internet, as well as food, hygiene supplies, transportation, communication, and other basic necessities.
Furthermore, the earthquake has coincided with wildfires, volcanic alerts, flooding, drought linked to El Niño, and conflict-related displacement, exacerbating humanitarian needs and placing additional pressure on the ability of the government and NGOs to respond.
Your support matters
Your donation will empower HIAS to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced people where and when it’s needed most.
How is HIAS Colombia helping earthquake survivors and communities rebuild?
Immediately after the earthquake, HIAS Colombia mobilized our teams to provide support to displaced people. Working in coalition with local partners, we assessed needs and began implementing a humanitarian response. In the rural communities of Naranjal and Primavera, HIAS is providing direct cash assistance, food aid, and hygiene and sanitation kits through the UNIR consortium, funded by the Colombia Humanitarian Fund.
In addition to meeting the immediate humanitarian needs, HIAS Colombia also holds community learning activities. These sessions address topics such as hygiene protection, waste management, safe water use, healthy eating, and self-care practices. With this practical information, families have the tools they need to start rebuilding their lives.
Another area of emergency aid that we provide is temporary housing in partnership with Airbnb in the city of Cali in the southeast of Colombia. HIAS is focusing on assisting displaced or evacuated families with women and children, families with members who have serious or chronic health conditions or disabilities, teen girls, and people who are at risk of sexual or domestic violence. Our housing program provides temporary shelter for 28 days as survivors get back on their feet.
One earthquake survivor, Catherine, faced homelessness after the walls and roof of her house were seriously damaged. A local partner organization referred Catherine and her two children to HIAS Colombia for assistance in finding temporary shelter. HIAS works with Airbnb and local hosts to ensure displaced people like Catherine have access to safe housing and can work on finding longer term temporary housing during their stay.
Catherine is shown around her temporary housing, provided by HIAS Colombia and Airbnb, as she recovers from the devastating earthquake on August 10 (HIAS Colombia).
How can you help people impacted by the earthquake in Colombia?
More than a month after the earthquake, thousands of people still need safe housing, health care, hygiene supplies, and other essentials. HIAS Colombia and its partners are continuing to assess needs and provide critical support as communities rebuild. Your support can help displaced families recover and move toward a safer, more stable future.
Learn more about our work in Colombia and donate to HIAS today help provide emergency assistance to earthquake survivors in Colombia.
Your support matters
Your donation will empower HIAS to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced people where and when it’s needed most.
