A strong earthquake struck Colombia on August 10. As we assess the needs together with the bishops of the affected dioceses, the Church is already standing by the communities as their first refuge.
The Church is already there.
When an emergency strikes, the Church is one of the first places where people find refuge, comfort, and hope. While authorities continue to assess the damage, parishes, priests, and religious sisters are already supporting affected families. At ACN, we work directly with the bishops of the affected dioceses to identify the most urgent needs and deliver emergency aid through the Church.
7,4
Earthquake Magnitude
7:34 a. m.
Time of the Earthquake
96 km
Approximate depth
Chocó
Epicenter Area
The impact is being felt in various regions of Colombia
From the epicenter in Chocó to cities in the Coffee Region and the Valle del Cauca, various communities have reported damage. Emergency teams continue to assess the situation.
CHOCÓ
Epicenter of the earthquake and reported damage in Quibdó.
RISARALDA
Pereira has reported significant damage to buildings.
CALDAS
Manizales reports damage to buildings and the cathedral.
VALLE DEL CAUCA
Cali reports collapsed structures and people trapped.
TOLIMA
Damage to buildings in Ibagué has been reported.
CUNDINAMARCA
Structural damage was reported in seven municipalities.
When everything is shaking, the Church stands firm.
Even before much aid arrives, parishes, priests, religious sisters, and communities are already standing by those who need it most. There, they find a place of welcome, a word of comfort, a helping hand, and enduring hope.
That is why, at Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), we will remain in constant contact with the bishops of the affected dioceses to identify the most urgent needs and respond where aid is most needed.
Emergency aid will be delivered through the Church, so that it can continue to support affected families and serve as that first refuge for those who are currently facing this difficult situation.
The Church is always the first place of refuge.
One of the first reports received by ACN comes from Bishop Mario de Jesús Álvarez Gómez of Istmina-Tadó, whose diocese includes the municipality of San José del Palmar, very close to the earthquake’s epicenter.
The bishop reported that, so far, there have been no reports of fatalities in that area, although property damage has been recorded, including damage to several churches. He also noted that communications with other dioceses, such as Quibdó, remain difficult, so the Church is still assessing the true extent of the emergency.
We want to strengthen the Church's response
At Aid to the Church in Need, we are attentive to the needs that arise in the affected communities. As the most urgent needs are identified and the necessary responses are coordinated, ACN will be able to deliver emergency aid through the Church, strengthening the work of priests, religious sisters, and communities who are supporting those affected.
ACCOMPANY
Support the communities that remain close to those affected.
REPLY
To help meet urgent needs wherever possible through the Church.
SUPPORT
To help ensure that the Church's pastoral mission can continue even in the midst of the emergency.
You can also help by praying
In these early hours, let us come together in prayer for Colombia.
- Pray for those who have been injured.
- Pray for the affected families.
- Pray for those who have lost their homes.
- Pray for the priests, religious sisters, and volunteers who are supporting their communities.
«Lord, be with Colombia in this time of sorrow. Protect those who have been affected by this earthquake, strengthen their families, and give hope to those who face uncertainty today.
Amen.»
When the earth trembles, the Church stands firm.
Today, Colombia needs solidarity, prayer, and hope. Help us strengthen the Church’s mission so that it can continue to stand by those who need it most.
A Pontifical Foundation with worldwide reach
“A missionary never stops dreaming; he never loses hope. He places his trust in two pillars: in God and in the benefactors who, through their charity, make the miracle of the mission possible in the most forgotten corners of the world.”
Pope Leo XIV
Contact
Aid to the Church in Need
ACN Global Office
Contact:
+57 315 6444759
info@acn-global.org
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