How to Help Communities Impacted by the Colombia Earthquake

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, causing widespread destruction across Chocó and cities including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales. The earthquake has collapsed homes, hospitals, and other infrastructure, leaving families displaced and emergency crews searching for survivors as aftershocks continue.
 
Emergency responders, humanitarian organizations, and local authorities are working to conduct search and rescue operations, provide medical care, and distribute emergency supplies to affected communities. Immediate humanitarian needs include emergency shelter, food, clean water, medical assistance, and other essential supplies, while damaged roads, airports, and health facilities are complicating relief efforts.

While local organizations and first responders are leading relief efforts, philanthropic support can help expand emergency response operations, provide critical supplies and services, and assist affected communities as they begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.

For donors looking to help, supporting established organizations with experience responding to major disasters and existing relationships in Colombia and Latin America can be an effective way to contribute to both immediate relief efforts and longer-term recovery.

NPT has compiled a non-exhaustive list of nonprofits supporting communities affected by the Colombia earthquake:

Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP’s Global Recovery Fund) (EIN: 45-5257937) is working with local partners to identify needs and provide support that will have the greatest impact on affected communities.

Direct Relief (EIN 95-1831116) is in communication with local and regional organizations about medical needs and will mobilize medical aid deliveries to help address immediate and near-term health requests. 

Give to Colombia (EIN 26-0073580) has launched Colombia Se Levanta, a campaign to mobilize support for the communities affected by the earthquake.

Global Empowerment Mission (EIN 45-3782061) is currently mobilizing in response to the developing situation; recon and emergency response teams are deploying immediately and are expected to be on the ground in the coming days. 

GlobalGiving’s Columbia Earthquake Relief Fund (EIN 30‑0108263) will provide local organizations with flexible, rapid funding to deliver emergency medical care, search and rescue support, temporary shelter, food, clean water, hygiene supplies, and other essential services. 

International Rescue Committee (IRC) (EIN 13-5660870) works throughout Latin America to provide emergency humanitarian assistance, including healthcare, protection services, and support for vulnerable populations affected by crises. 

Project HOPE (EIN 53-0242962) is currently on the ground and preparing deployment of healthcare workers, medical supplies, disease surveillance, and humanitarian assistance to affected communities. 

UNICEF USA‘s (EIN 13-1760110) local teams are on the ground working to deliver urgent, lifesaving support to children and families across affected communities in Colombia.

World Central Kitchen (EIN 27-3521132) mobilizes quickly following disasters to provide freshly prepared meals to displaced families, first responders, and emergency workers operating in affected communities. 

World Food Programme USA (EIN 13-3843435) is mobilizing support after the Government of Colombia requested UN assistance. WFP has stocks already available in-country and the capacity to provide both food and cash-based assistance as needs are assessed.

Read more about supporting disaster relief efforts on our website.