Children at risk after strongest earthquake in a decade strikes Colombia

Country: Colombia Source: Save the Children The quake hit on Monday morning as families were at home or beginning their day, with tremors felt as far away as Venezuela. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, preliminary reports indicate that over 100 people , including children, have been killed, while many more have been injured. BOGOTA, 10 August 2026 – The strongest earthquake to hit Colombia in a decade has struck the western part of Colombia, causing widespread destruction across the Pacific Region. The disaster has left children and families facing uncertainty, fear and the loss of homes, schools and essential services, said Save the Children. The quake hit on Monday morning as families were at home or beginning their day, with tremors felt as far away as Venezuela. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, preliminary reports indicate that over 100 people , including children, have been killed, while many more have been injured. Maria Mercedes Liévano, Save the Children’s Country Director for Colombia, said: "While the full extent of the damage is still emerging, we know that earthquakes can have a devastating impact on children in an instant. In the aftermath of an unforeseen event like this, children may face heightened risks to their safety, well-being and access to essential services. Communities are currently grappling with disruption and uncertainty.” The full scale of the impact is still emerging as damaged infrastructure, power outages and communications disruptions hamper assessments in some of the worst-affected areas. Reports indicate that buildings have collapsed, raising concerns that people may remain trapped beneath the rubble. Schools and public hospitals have been evacuated, with many sustaining severe damage, disrupting children's access to education, healthcare and safe spaces at a time when they need them most. Children are among the most vulnerable in the aftermath of earthquakes, facing heightened risks to their health, protection and wellbeing, said Save the Children. As response efforts continue, there is an urgent need for lifesaving assistance and support to rescue survivors, and help children and families cope with their immediate needs in the days and weeks ahead. Save the Children stands ready to support affected communities and is closely monitoring the situation to provide support where it is needed the most. Save the Children has worked in Colombia for 40 years, working in the regions most affected by natural disasters, armed conflict, violence, poverty, climate change, and mixed migration. The earthquakes that struck Venezuela not only destroyed homes, but also damaged hospitals and health facilities, leaving many families without access to essential healthcare. With doctors, nurses and healthcare workers also affected, medical services for communities are facing significant challenges. Save the Children and its local partner, Paluz, are providing critical support through mobile health clinics in earthquake-affected areas. Miguel Vera/ Save the Children Thousands of pregnant women and new mothers require access to healthcare, nutritious food and safe shelter one month after last month's two devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Alba*, 11, and her mother Rosa Icela* were forced from their home after the earthquakes damaged their neighbourhood and upended their daily lives. Alba witnessed walls collapsing around her home and now faces an uncertain future away from school and friends, some of whom died in the disaster. For Rosa Icela, the challenge has been helping her daughter adapt to life in temporary accommodation while worrying about her safety, wellbeing and education. Despite the disruption, Alba has found moments of comfort through activities that allow her to play, draw and simply be a child again, while Rosa Icela focuses on helping her daughter stay positive as they navigate an uncertain future. Miguel Vera/ Save the Children Children impacted by the twin earthquakes in Venezuela a month ago said they are missing their homes, schools, and the loved ones and friends who were among the 5,400 people that died in the disaster, said Save the Children. South America's largest informal settlement, located in Colombia’s northern La Guajira region, is home to more than 9,000 people—many of whom are migrants from neighbouring countries and members of the Wayuu Indigenous community. Prior to U.S. funding cuts, families living in the settlement heavily relied on international aid for food, health care and child protection activities before nearly 90% of programmes were suspended this year. Today, only three of the 28 humanitarian organisations who worked in the camp remain active in the settlement, leaving families without critical support and children increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and harm. Save the Children is one of the 25 organisations forced to terminate programmes in the settlement due to aid cuts. The child rights organisation now maintains just a limited mobile presence, providing access to health care, malnutrition screening, snacks, and recreational activities on a monthly basis. Samantha Halyk/Save the Children Only three of the 28 humanitarian organisations that worked in the camp remain active in the settlement, leaving families without critical support and children increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and harm.
2026-08-10 19:33:06