On the morning of August 10, a powerful 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia with its epicenter in the state of Chocó. Shaking was felt across Colombia, as well as in Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama. 

Preliminary reports indicate widespread damage to homes, health facilities, schools, transport infrastructure, and public services across several states, with the death toll, injury count and number of missing persons all revised upward as assessments progress. Saving lives remains the immediate priority as search and rescue operations continue across the affected areas.

The Colombian Red Cross is supporting the national response through coordinated emergency operations and specialized response teams. They have activated their National Crisis Room and telecommunications systems, mobilized 17 search and rescue teams - including 585 personnel and 19 canine units - coordinated with national authorities and remain prepared to deploy additional health and emergency response capacities as required.

Reliable information is part of the response – the Colombian Red Cross is also sharing earthquake safety guidance with affected communities, and they have activated Restoring Family Links services and are preparing to accept tracing and welfare requests. Family members in the United States that are unable to contact loved ones in Colombia as a result of the earthquakes can initiate a search through the Restoring Family Links program by submitting an International Reconnecting Families Inquiry Form or calling our free national helpline at +1 844-782-9441. The Colombian Red Cross is currently focused on immediate response efforts, and it may be some time before they are able to process welfare requests.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has also activated its large-scale emergency readiness plan in Colombia and is coordinating closely with the Colombian Red Cross to assess needs, mobilize technical support and provide other assistance. 

Year-round, the American Red Cross partners with local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world to strengthen disaster preparedness, and the Colombian Red Cross is one of these partners. By providing technical support and funding for locally driven projects, we help create safer, healthier, and more resilient communities together. As part of this work, the American Red Cross has a team of staff based in the country and they are all safe and accounted for.

As the humanitarian impacts of this earthquake become clearer, we are coordinating closely with the IFRC and the Colombian Red Cross to mobilize additional support as needed in the coming days and weeks.

More information from the IFRC on the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement response is available in English and Spanish.