The earthquake in Colombia has destroyed streets and important infrastructure. Archive-Photo: Yoel Contreras Info The earthquake in Colombia has destroyed streets and important infrastructure. Archive-Photo: Yoel Contreras Colombia In focus Emergency aid after the earthquake in Colombia Emergency relief 11 August 2026 A powerful earthquake has struck Colombia, causing massive destruction. Numerous people are reported dead and injured, and many more are missing. State of emergency after the earthquake in Colombia! One of the most severe earthquakes in decades has shaken Colombia and devastated entire regions. The 7.4‑magnitude quake has claimed more than 280 lives and injured over 3,900 people. Hundreds remain missing (as of August 14, 2026). In cities like Cali, residential buildings have collapsed, airports and schools have been evacuated. Numerous hospitals have also been destroyed, making the already dire situation for the injured even more difficult. Rescue workers continue to search for survivors. Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national state of emergency. Informal settlements on hillsides and slopes are particularly affected – places where people already live under precarious conditions. Many families have lost everything and urgently need our help. action medeor provides emergency relief As the “World’s Emergency Pharmacy,” action medeor has been active in the region for more than 15 years. Together with our local partners, we responded immediately and provided 10,000 euros in emergency aid to support people in Colombia directly. „The people mostly live in informal settlements, often built on hills and slopes. We hope that no landslides have occured there." Angela Zeithammer Board Member for Fundraising and Communications Our emergency aid focuses on the most urgent needs of the survivors: health, hygiene, water, food, and shelter. Our partner organization, Taller Abierto, whose office is located right in the heart of the earthquake-affected area in the Cali region, will use the emergency aid funds we have provided to procure and distribute relief supplies such as food, hygiene and personal care items, and household goods. In addition, the funds will be used to cover transportation costs as well as expenses for psychosocial and legal support for earthquake survivors. Decades of commitment in Colombia Colombia is marked by inequality, poverty, and violence – especially for women and Indigenous communities. Natural disasters such as the current earthquake further worsen the situation. For more than a decade, action medeor has been working with local partners to strengthen healthcare and food security for the Colombian population and to improve the living conditions of Venezuelan refugee families and vulnerable groups. This includes training courses, nutrition programs, and awareness‑raising activities. Your support is crucial now The suffering of the people has intensified after the devastating earthquake in Colombia. Many now face nothing but loss – not only of their homes, but also of family members and friends. Every form of assistance matters for the earthquake survivors. People urgently need the basics: water, food, shelter, and healthcare. For older people, children, and families living in informal settlements, the consequences of the earthquake are especially severe. Every donation counts now and helps where it is needed most. Together, we can provide survivors in the earthquake‑affected region with protection, essential support, and hope.