Toronto, ON, August 11, 2026 – A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck western Colombia on Monday August 10, 2026, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar, Chocó department. A magnitude 4.8 aftershock followed shortly after, and authorities are monitoring the risk of further tremors.

The quake was felt across much of the country and hit Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda and Caldas the hardest, where at least 112 people have died and 87 have been injured. Thousands of homes, health centres, roads and other infrastructure have been damaged. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing as the government coordinates the national response.

Plan International Colombia has activated its emergency response plan, focused on Chocó and Valle del Cauca. Chocó is a department that has faced decades of underinvestment and armed conflict, and Plan International Colombia runs education and child protection programs there to help children, especially girls, stay safe and in school.

The earthquake threatens to undo that progress, damaging classrooms and roads that families rely on and further limiting access to protection services in communities already living with high levels of vulnerability. Some of Plan International Colombia's own staff in the region have reported damage to their homes while continuing to assess the impact on communities and operations.

"Behind every number in this report is a child whose life has been turned upside down overnight. Our priority right now is to reach the most affected communities in Chocó and Valle del Cauca with psychosocial support and life-saving humanitarian assistance, especially for girls and families who have lost their homes.

“Some of our own Plan colleagues in Chocó and Valle del Cauca have also had their homes affected, so we understand firsthand what these families are going through. We are collecting donations to support the humanitarian response, and we will not rest until affected communities are safe," said Ángela Anzola, Country Director, Plan International Colombia.

Plan International Colombia works across Bagadó, Bojayá, El Carmen de Atrato, Istmina, Lloró, Medio San Juan, Nóvita, Quibdó, Río Quito, Riosucio, Cértegui, Sipí, Tadó, Cali and Jamundí, in Chocó and Valle del Cauca.

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To support children affected by the earthquake in Colombia and other global crises, visit plancanada.ca/donate/children-in-crisis.

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About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships with and for children for almost 90 years and is now active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

Visit plancanada.ca for more information.

Media contact

Plan International Canada
PR & Communications
PRteam@plancanada.ca