Archive · 13 Aug 2026
UN Backs Colombia Earthquake Response as Death Toll Reaches 265
A big earthquake shook the country of Colombia in South America on Monday.
An earthquake is when the ground shakes very hard.
Many homes and public buildings were damaged, and many people were hurt.
Colombia's president said 265 people died, thousands more were injured, and hundreds are still missing.
More than 53,000 people were affected by the disaster.
The United Nations and its partners are helping the Colombian government with the response.
They are providing emergency shelter, food, clean drinking water, and health care.
The World Food Programme is sending food, and the World Health Organization is sending medical supplies.
The president also plans to declare a state of economic emergency so help can arrive faster.
Search teams are still looking for the missing people.
A devastating earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, with the death toll rising to 265 as of Wednesday.
President Abelardo de la Espriella reported 3,494 people injured, 496 missing, and more than 53,000 people affected.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) continues to support the government-led response to the disaster.
The World Food Programme is sending food, the World Health Organization is dispatching medical supplies, and a UN Central Emergency Response Fund allocation is being prepared.
The president will declare a state of economic emergency, while India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar offered condolences and pledged assistance.
- Who
- Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, the United Nations and its agencies (OCHA, World Food Programme, World Health Organization), and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- What
- A devastating earthquake killed 265 people, injured 3,494, left 496 missing, and caused widespread damage to homes and public infrastructure in Colombia.
- When
- The earthquake struck on Monday, with the death toll updated on Wednesday; the report was published on August 13, 2026.
- Where
- Colombia, a South American nation, particularly in the hardest-hit areas where communications, transport and public services were disrupted.
- Why
- The quake left affected communities in urgent need of emergency shelter, food, safe drinking water and health care, prompting a government-led relief response with UN support.
- Death Toll
- 265 (as of Wednesday)
- Injured
- 3,494
- Missing
- 496
- People Affected
- More than 53,000
- Earthquake Date
- Monday (August 10, 2026)
- UN Agencies Involved
- OCHA, World Food Programme, World Health Organization
- Government Measure
- State of economic emergency to be declared
- UN Relief Appeal
- To be launched once the extent of damage is known