A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on August 10, 2026, affecting more than 20,000 people. According to official figures, 181 people have died, 195 are missing and more than 2,700 have been injured. The hardest-hit areas include Choco, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda and Caldas. The earthquake is one of several emergencies affecting children in Colombia. In 2026, an estimated 10.3 million people, including 3.7 million children, are expected to need humanitarian assistance.
The earthquake has compounded challenges for children and families already facing poverty, inequality, armed conflict and climate-related emergencies. Damage and disruption caused by the earthquake can affect children's access to safe learning environments, health care, water and sanitation, while increasing risks to their safety and well-being.
UNICEF is preparing to provide water, sanitation and hygiene supplies for 25,000 people in Choco, while strengthening child protection measures and helping children return to safe learning environments. UNICEF is also coordinating with national and local authorities and partners to assess needs and deliver lifesaving support where children need it most.
UNICEF's response will help children and families access essential services, protection and support as communities recover from the earthquake and other ongoing emergencies. Flexible support will help UNICEF respond to changing needs and provide vital assistance to children and families in Colombia and around the world.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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