A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on 10 August 2026, killing at least 304 people and injuring thousands more.
Rescue teams and local communities are continuing to search damaged and collapsed buildings, while the full scale of the emergency is still emerging. An estimated 438,000 people across 14 departments have been affected and aftershocks are continuing daily. The earthquake has destroyed 26,558 homes, and affected 3,074 educational institutions in the country, leaving 75,297 students without safe access to education.
Aftershocks, damaged roads and airports, disrupted communications, mountainous terrain and heavy seasonal rain may make it harder to reach some of the worst-affected communities quickly.
People whose homes have been destroyed or which are no longer safe are likely to need emergency shelter, clean water, food, medical care, sanitation, protection and cash support.
ActionAid already works in the region, and our team in Colombia is liaising with local communities and women’s rights organisations to understand where needs are greatest and prepare a response.
This earthquake has struck communities that were already living through armed conflict, displacement, food insecurity and unequal access to essential services.
For many families, this is an emergency layered on top of years of hardship. They urgently need your help.
Set up your fundraiser today to raise valuable funds for the Colombia Earthquake Appeal and help provide urgently-needed assistance as soon as possible.
Start fundraising
- 1
Set up your JustGiving page
Create your fundraiser via JustGiving. Your page will be automatically populated with information about the appeal, so your friends and family will know how their donation will make a difference.
- 2
Spread the word
Share your unique JustGiving page link with your friends, family and colleagues and ask if they're able to make a donation..
- 3
Choose your own challenge
If an online collection isn't for you, explore our sponsored challenges or organise your own fundraising event.
Where your money goes
90% of your donation will go directly to this appeal.
10% of your donation will be retained for ActionAid’s Emergency Action Fund which will only be used for ensuring we are prepared and able to respond quickly and more effectively to future emergencies and crises.
If the total amount raised for this appeal exceeds the funds needed for the response, ActionAid will transfer the remaining balance to the Emergency Action Fund. All Gift Aid claimed on donations will fund ActionAid’s work across the world, wherever the need is greatest.
Page updated 1 September 2026