On the morning of Monday, 10 August 2026, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western and central Colombia, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó.

The powerful quake was felt across a wide area of the country, causing severe damage in the departments of Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindío. Initial reports indicate that more than 240 people have lost their lives, nearly 3,700 have been injured, and approximately 30,000 families have been affected. These figures are expected to rise as rescue and recovery operations continue.

Our team in Colombia has reported that some of the communities we accompany in Buenaventura and Eje Cafetero have been affected by damage to their homes and are facing food shortages as well as disruptions to essential public services.

With regard to JRS staff, although no injuries or major damages have been reported and all team members are safe, some employees and their families have experienced impacts from the earthquake. Efforts are underway to address their needs with the support of the Colombian Province of the Society of Jesus.

JRS has maintained a presence in Eje Cafetero for the past three years and in Valle del Cauca for nearly two decades, accompanying vulnerable local populations, migrants and refugees, and other forcibly displaced communities. We are working closely with our partner organisations in Colombia to ensure a rapid and effective response to this emergency.