The Trump administration has committed $15.5 million in relief for Colombia after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the nation, leaving an undetermined number of casualties and thousands missing.
The U.S. State Department announced the funding for emergency shelter, food, protection, and earthquake assessments, stating "we are united in prayer with the Colombian people and stand ready to support President Abelardo De la Espriella and his government as they assess the needs on the ground."
As of Tuesday, August 11, 2026, more than 3,000 people are reported missing following the earthquake, which hit on Monday. Videos and photos from the affected regions show first responders and volunteers sifting through rubble in search of survivors.
Mayors and governors from Cali, Pereira, Chocó, and Manizales reported at least 179 deaths in those four areas alone. The federal government had previously stated that at least 111 people had died.
Approximately 1,600 buildings across Colombia have been reported damaged or have collapsed. The U.S. Geological Survey indicated the earthquake was centered in San José del Palmar, a town in the western Chocó region.
President Abelardo De la Espriella, who was inaugurated shortly before the earthquake, traveled to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, on Monday night. He announced the mobilization of the "entire military and police apparatus" to aid in the response, deploying engineers, rescue workers, and search dogs.
"Chocó will never again be the ‘land of the forgotten,’" De la Espriella stated, emphasizing his administration's commitment to the region.
He also noted on X, formerly Twitter, that "immediate economic resources and humanitarian aid have already been allocated to support the more than 1,400 affected families and individuals." He added that the injured were being transferred to Medellín for medical attention.
