Colombia Needs Us: Standing With Chocó After the Earthquake

On August 10, 2026, Colombia was shaken by a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake, with the epicenter near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó

The earthquake was felt across much of the country, and communities in Chocó and other parts of western Colombia have suffered serious damage. Rescue and humanitarian teams are still working, and the full extent of the disaster is still becoming clear

But for Chocó, this emergency did not begin on August 10

Chocó Was Already Carrying a Heavy Burden

Chocó is one of Colombia's most historically underserved regions. Its geography, limited infrastructure, poverty, conflict, displacement, and lack of access to basic services have made life difficult for many communities for generations

The numbers tell part of the story. In 2025, 56.8% of households in Chocó experienced moderate or severe food insecurity, the highest rate of any department in Colombia

The region has also faced repeated humanitarian emergencies. In 2025, flooding affected tens of thousands of families across Chocó, requiring large-scale humanitarian assistance from Colombia's disaster-response agencies

That means today's earthquake is arriving in communities that were already vulnerable. For families who already have limited resources, rebuilding a damaged home is harder. Replacing lost belongings is harder. Accessing food, clean water, healthcare, transportation, and education is harder

And reaching many communities in Chocó can itself be a challenge

This is why we cannot allow Chocó to become forgotten once the headlines move on

Help Today, And Keep Showing Up Tomorrow

At Todos por Colombia, we believe solidarity should be more than a reaction to a disaster. Right now, emergency assistance is urgently needed: food, water, shelter, medical care, hygiene supplies, support for children, and help for families whose homes and livelihoods have been affected

But Chocó also needs something longer-lasting: investment in communities, education, infrastructure, health, food security, and opportunities that allow people to build stable futures where they live

If you are looking for a way to help, consider supporting organizations with established humanitarian operations in Colombia

Where You Can Help

Fundación PLAN SOS Chocó

Fundación PLAN has been working in vulnerable Colombian communities for decades and has an active SOS Chocó campaign supporting families affected by the region's humanitarian crisis. Their work includes communities in Chocó and focuses particularly on children and families experiencing extreme vulnerability

Donate through Fundación PLAN's SOS Chocó campaign

Corporación Memoria y Paz

Solidarity for Buenaventura; support for leaders and caretakers. Many engaged community members need our help today. The Corporation for Memory and Peace and Javeriana University in Bogotá are putting together funds to support families in the affected region

Donate through Vaki

Cruz Roja Colombiana

The Colombian Red Cross has a nationwide humanitarian network and more than 18,000 volunteers. Its work includes disaster response, healthcare, emergency assistance, and support for vulnerable communities across Colombia

Support the Colombian Red Cross

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen responds to disasters by working with local communities and food partners to provide meals to people affected by emergencies. Their teams have previously responded to disasters in Colombia, including major flooding emergencies

Support World Central Kitchen

Give Carefully

In the aftermath of a disaster, many people want to help immediately. Unfortunately, emergencies can also attract scams and unverified fundraisers

Whenever possible, donate through an established organization, verify that a campaign is actually connected to the organization it claims to represent, and be cautious about sending money to personal accounts or unfamiliar crowdfunding campaigns

And remember: help does not have to mean only money. Share verified information. Check on Colombian friends and family. Support Colombian community organizations. Volunteer. Amplify legitimate relief efforts. Keep talking about Chocó after the news cycle moves on

Todos por Colombia

Colombia is not one place. It is thousands of communities, cultures, regions, and histories: from the Caribbean coast to the Amazon, from Bogotá to the Pacific

When one part of Colombia is hurting, the rest of us have a responsibility to show up

Today, that means standing with Chocó

For the families searching for loved ones.For the communities rebuilding their homes.For the children who deserve safety and opportunity.For Chocó — today, tomorrow, and beyond the earthquake

🇨🇴 Todos por Colombia