Archive · 14 Aug 2026
India dispatches first batch of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Colombia
A big earthquake shook the country of Colombia in South America.
It was very strong, measuring about 7.3 or 7.5 on the scientists' special scale, which is powerful enough to knock down buildings.
Many people were hurt, and sadly some lost their lives.
Hundreds of thousands of people in many towns were affected, and many homes were damaged or destroyed.
India is a country very far away, and its leaders wanted to help.
The External Affairs Minister, whose job is to look after India's friendships with other countries, said India stands with the people of Colombia.
India packed up boxes of medicines, medical tools, tents, and soap and other hygiene things, and sent them to Colombia.
Colombia's ambassador came to receive the gift from India.
India has helped other countries hurt by earthquakes before, like Venezuela, because when countries help each other, the whole world becomes a kinder place.
India dispatched the first tranche of 20 metric tonnes of relief supplies to Colombia to support post-earthquake recovery.
The assistance package includes medicines, medical equipment, temporary shelter materials, hygiene support items and other essentials.
Reports differ on the disaster's scale: a 7.3-magnitude quake is cited with 281 killed, 3,971 injured and 391 missing, while another report cites a 7.5-magnitude tremor with at least 224 killed and more than 130 injured; a related headline cited 213 dead and over 3,000 missing.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India stands in solidarity with the people of Colombia and stands ready to extend all possible assistance.
MEA Joint Secretary Dr. Aman Puri handed the supplies to Colombia's Ambassador Victor Hugo Jaramillo; the aid follows Operation Amistad, which delivered over 35 tonnes of relief to Venezuela after twin earthquakes in June 2026.
- Who
- India, represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and MEA Joint Secretary (South America) Dr. Aman Puri, with Colombia's Ambassador Victor Hugo Jaramillo receiving the aid.
- What
- India dispatched the first tranche of 20 metric tonnes of relief supplies, including medicines, medical equipment, temporary shelter and hygiene support, for post-earthquake recovery.
- When
- The supplies were dispatched on a Friday, days after the earthquake struck on Monday at 7:34 am local time.
- Where
- From New Delhi to Colombia; the quake's epicentre was near San Jose del Palmar in Western Colombia, with significant damage reported in areas including Manizales.
- Why
- To support recovery after the earthquake killed hundreds (reports cite 281 or at least 224), injured thousands, and affected more than 100,000 people across 15 departments.
- Aid volume
- 20 metric tonnes (first tranche of relief supplies)
- Package contents
- Medicines, medical equipment, temporary shelter materials, hygiene support items and other essentials
- Earthquake magnitude
- Reported as 7.3 by one account and 7.5 by another
- Reported casualties
- One report: 281 killed, 3,971 injured and 391 missing; another: at least 224 killed and more than 130 injured; a related headline cited 213 dead and over 3,000 missing
- Epicentre
- Near San Jose del Palmar, Western Colombia, at a depth of 96 km; struck at 7:34 am local time per the Colombian Geological Service
- Impact
- 44,936 families (102,105 people) affected across 15 departments and 426 municipalities; 10,677 homes destroyed and 65,841 damaged, per the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management as reported by Xinhua News Agency
- Handover
- MEA Joint Secretary Dr. Aman Puri to Colombia's Ambassador Victor Hugo Jaramillo
- Related operation
- Operation Amistad delivered over 35 tonnes of relief, medicines, equipment and two BHISHM Cubes to Venezuela after twin earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5) on 24 June 2026, flown by two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft along with a 41-member contingent from the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Hospital
