Oxfam launches appeal to support communities hit by Colombia earthquake

Published on

Short URL: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/mc/bcym92/

The impact of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake has been felt across Colombia with a significant number of people affected. Over 2,000 people have already been reported injured and over 200 people killed with thousands of buildings including homes, healthcare and educational facilities damaged or destroyed.

Oxfam GB

A red illustration showing the northern part of the South America continent with each country's borders outlined.

Oxfam, has launched an appeal to support communities affected by an earthquake that struck in the Chocó region of western Colombia early on Monday 10 August, just a few weeks after a double earthquake hit neighbouring Venezuela. The 7.4 magnitude tremor was strongly felt across much of Colombia and in some areas of nearby Ecuador and Panama. The Colombian government has declared a state of disaster

Impact felt across Colombia with thousands of people affected

  • Over 200 fatalities confirmed
  • Thousands of people injured
  • Extensive damage to homes and businesses
  • Healthcare and educational facilities affected
  • Water supply systems affected
  • Mobile phone stations out of service due to power cuts and damage caused by the earthquake.

Oxfam is responding in Colombia

Our partners, who work closely with affected communities, have already started distributing food and providing other emergency support. We’ll be working with them to understand people’s needs and deliver the support that’s needed most. This is particularly important in Chocó, the region closest to the earthquake's epicentre, where access is challenging and public services are more limited.

What you can do to support the people of Colombia

Oxfam has launched an appeal to support communities hit by the earthquake that hit the Chocó region in the morning of Monday 10th August. Public support will help Oxfam and our colleagues in Colombia deliver clean water, food and critical supplies to the people of the area.

Press contact

For comments, interviews, or information please contact the Oxfam GB Media Team: