China Sends Aid to Colombia After Deadly Earthquake

The Government of China announced on August 15, 2026, that it will provide emergency cash assistance and humanitarian relief supplies to Colombia to support disaster response and reconstruction. The aid follows a massive earthquake that struck off the coast of western Colombia between August 10 and 11, with reports on the event's magnitude varying between 7.4 and 7.7.

The disaster, centered near San José del Palmar in Chocó, is the strongest seismic event recorded in Colombia this century. As of August 14, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management reported at least 285 deaths and 3,975 injuries. More than 86,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, with significant collapses in the Pacific coast and coffee-growing regions. Five cities—Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, Manizales, and Armenia—remained under red alert, and temporary settlements were established in Pereira.

The crisis serves as the first major test for President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office on August 7. While the administration established an emergency command post, it faced criticism over the president's demeanor and a 48-hour leadership vacancy at the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management during the initial response. President de la Espriella visited Quibdó to direct efforts and vowed that Chocó would not be treated as forgotten territory. Search-and-rescue operations continue in isolated areas of Chocó via boat and helicopter.