Colombia

Activities in Colombia – August 2026

September 17, 2026

By CADENA

Response to the Earthquake in Colombia

On August 10, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, shook southwestern Colombia. Entire communities in Chocó and Valle del Cauca woke up to damaged homes, compromised water sources, and deeply disrupted daily lives. That same day, CADENA Colombia teams began to mobilize.
Nearly a month after the emergency, the response continues. From Cali, we deployed a GO Team to coordinate field operations and structure an intervention that today reaches four territories: Cali, Buenaventura, northern Valle del Cauca, and Chocó. This response has been made possible thanks to the joint efforts of our teams, corporate partners, and the individuals who chose to trust CADENA and contribute to supporting the affected communities—a hand-in-hand effort that puts people’s needs at the center.

Food on the Table
In Roldanillo and surrounding areas, we delivered 1,000 food baskets, benefiting 4,000 people. In Buenaventura, we are moving forward with the delivery of 2,600 food baskets, which will reach 10,400 people. Behind every food basket is a family that, in the midst of the emergency, receives essential support to bring food to their table.

Physical and Emotional Health
In Buenaventura, we provided 110 medical consultations along with the distribution of medications. In Chocó, we carried out another 200 medical consultations and 10 psychological consultations for individuals needing support to cope with fear, uncertainty, and loss caused by the disaster. Humanitarian care also means protecting emotional well-being and offering supportive spaces during recovery.

Clean Water: A Right That Cannot Wait
In Roldanillo and surrounding areas, nearly 1,000 families (approximately 4,000 people) received 4,000 water jugs and 50 family water filters.
In Buenaventura, 250 families gained access to family water systems. In Chocó, 16 communities—representing roughly 4,000 people—now have community water systems, including tanks and filters.
These actions help restore access to an indispensable resource for daily life: safe water for drinking, cooking, and meeting family needs.

A Roof, Warmth, and Comfort
In Buenaventura, we distributed 1,500 duffel bags, 300 pillows, 500 blankets, stuffed animals, and other essential items.
In Chocó, we delivered an additional 1,000 duffel bags, alongside pillows, blankets, 700 thermos bottles, 140 caps, and 140 T-shirts.
These items address concrete needs and provide comfort, protection, and a sense of care to affected families in the midst of emergency.

The Result: 18,400 People Reached

Through actions in food security, water access, healthcare, and essential supplies, CADENA Colombia’s response has reached 18,400 people across Cali, Buenaventura, northern Valle del Cauca, and Chocó.
Every number represents people, families, and communities continuing to face the consequences of the earthquake and moving forward in their recovery.

Partnerships That Build Bridges
A humanitarian response requires collaboration. Thanks to the commitment of our partners, we have expanded the scope of our actions in the affected territories.
Postobón and Agua Cristal joined with a donation of 4,000 water jugs for affected municipalities in Valle del Cauca.
Tramontina Store Colombia provided cookware resources to assist families with meal preparation and help restore dignified living conditions.
TTotto donated nearly 1,000 bags filled with pillows, thermos bottles, water, caps, and T-shirts, destined for Tutunendo, La Encharcá, Bocas de Suruco, Istmina, and various shelters across Chocó.
These partnerships allow us to strengthen our response and bring essential resources to those who need them most. Because humanitarian aid is built through collaboration, trust, and shared commitment.

CADENA Colombia continues working hand in hand with communities and partners. The response goes on.