World Vision responding as powerful earthquake strikes Colombia
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Key Facts:World Vision spokespeople available for interview, including on:
- The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday morning (the strongest recorded in the country in a decade) killing at least 111 people, injuring 87 and collapsing 61 buildings across nine departments
- The toll on children and families: 1,500 homes affected, cities without power, water and communications, and the epicentre in Chocó, one of Colombia’s poorest and most remote regions, where the full impact on children may take days to emerge
- World Vision Colombia’s response: emergency committee activated, staff confirmed safe, and needs assessments underway with local partners to reach children and families where help is needed most
For queries and media requests, please contact:
Domi Gonzales at [email protected] or 0413 788 380.
Claire McIlroy at [email protected] or 0422 925 100.
World Vision teams in Colombia are assessing damage and urgent needs after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning local time, toppling buildings and damaging homes, roads and airports across nine provinces.
The quake hit at 7:34am local time as families were starting their day, with children heading to school and parents on their way to work.
The Colombian Geological Survey has classified it as the strongest earthquake recorded in the country in the past decade, with aftershocks continuing. The tremor was felt as far away as Ecuador and Panama. Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella has reported at least 111 people dead, 87 injured, 1,500 homes affected and 61 buildings collapsed, with numbers expected to rise.
The epicentre was in Chocó, one of Colombia’s poorest regions, a remote area accessed mainly by river, where the full impact on children and families may take days to become clear. Significant damage has also been reported in Cali, Pereira and Armenia, with parts of Cali left without power, water and communications.
World Vision Australia CEO Grant Bayldon said Australians would be thinking of the children and families whose lives had been turned upside down in a matter of seconds.
“Children woke up in the morning to an ordinary school day. Now many have lost their homes, and some have lost family members. Our first thoughts are with them,” Mr Bayldon said.
“World Vision’s team in Colombia is on the ground now, working alongside local partners to understand where children and families need help most urgently. Support will matter deeply in the days ahead.”
Peter Gape, World Vision's Bi-national Director for Colombia and Venezuela, said the organisation’s priority was the safety of children and communities.
“Right now we are confirming that our staff are safe, and we are assessing the possible impact on the communities where we are present. As an organisation committed to children, we are monitoring the situation and stand ready to respond to any needs that may arise,” Mr Gape said.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck at 7.34am local time on Monday 10 August, with its epicentre in San José del Palmar, department of Chocó, at a depth of about 80 – 90 kilometres.
- Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management has ruled out any tsunami threat along the Pacific coast.
- World Vision Colombia has activated its emergency committee and is conducting damage and needs assessments through its direct work and local partnerships.
- Interviews are available with World Vision spokespersons on the ground.
About us:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian and development organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision and their partners are working in communities to improve families’ economic prospects, strengthen violence prevention and child protection services, and improve education systems. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
Contact details:
Domi Gonzales | [email protected] | 0413 788 380.
Claire McIlroy | [email protected] | 0422 925 100.