On Aug. 10, 2026, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia caused mass destruction, hundreds of fatalities and left thousands of people in need of urgent help. The earthquake hit about 150 miles west of Bogotá, with the city of Cali facing considerable destruction. Tremors were felt as far away as Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.

It was the strongest earthquake to hit Colombia in over a decade, followed by at least 250 aftershocks, just weeks after two detrimental earthquakes in Venezuela.

With more than 156,000 homes damaged or destroyed, more than 170 collapsed buildings, at least 300 dead and more than 4,500 injured, immediate outside help is necessary. Organizations such as Project HOPE, a nonprofit dedicated to emergency response, are working to provide hygiene supplies, medical assistance and infrastructure repairs in the days after the earthquake.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency, and Project HOPE responded within hours.

Project HOPE’s Efforts

Project HOPE is aiding Colombia by providing hygiene supplies such as toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, soap, cleaning supplies and more. Without the worry of basic hygiene and dignity items, those affected by the earthquake can focus on finding their families and rebuilding their lives. In Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, Project HOPE began assessing health facilities within hours of the earthquake, surveying the partially collapsed Hospital Universitario del Valle Evaristo García, where health workers have had to set up tents outside to treat the injured after a wing of the hospital collapsed.

Mental Health Focus

Project HOPE also focuses intensely on mental health. Traumatic events such as earthquakes and other natural disasters leave wounds that are not always visible. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety surrounding possible future tremors can leave people with immense fear and inability to function.

Project HOPE is working to make mental health services a part of basic healthcare, regardless of social or financial circumstances. One billion people around the world suffer from psychological challenges, and less than 30% of those people will receive treatment. Challenges increase significantly in areas impacted by war or natural disasters. Project HOPE’s implementation of mental health services in Colombia helps to address all injuries a person may suffer from after a traumatic event, including mental ones.

Pre-Existing Needs

While it is vital to respond quickly during an emergency, need existed before the earthquakes in Colombia. Nearly 7 million individuals were already in need of humanitarian support before the earthquake hit. After the disaster, that number is expected to grow as families face further displacement, disrupted services, loss of income and reduced access to basic necessities. The limited access to healthcare, clean water and psychological first aid makes recovery from the earthquakes more difficult, emphasizing the importance of aiding those in need before disaster strikes.

– Julia Cholerton

Julia is based in Gig Harbor, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay