An estimated 9.1 million people rely on humanitarian assistance to survive. The magnitude 7.4 earthquake on August 10, 2026, has severely compounded this crisis, pushing already at-risk communities deeper into even greater distress.
Relief efforts in Colombia
CARE’s emergency response focuses on the most at-risk populations, particularly forcibly displaced people and host communities, with a strong emphasis on women, girls, and young men.
Programs focus on protection, health, and early recovery. This includes delivering cash vouchers, hygiene kits, legal aid, psychosocial counseling, and support to strengthen community protection networks. Interventions also cover vital reproductive healthcare, especially for expectant mothers who lack prior prenatal care, while backing women-led businesses to restore family incomes. Across all initiatives, up to 30% of participants are drawn from host communities to help build a sense of community.
A core priority in Colombia is responding to humanitarian needs created by the internal armed conflict in rural areas, where communities are displaced and affected by clashes between armed groups. CARE works to understand the needs of each population group so it can respond quickly and effectively, by centering support around women and girls. This means protecting women affected by violence and delivering primary health services to communities that face barriers to care.
Following the strongest earthquake recorded in Colombia this century, CARE team members are working with local communities and partner organizations to assess the damage and identify where help is needed most. While specific response activities are being finalized, immediate support will focus on food assistance (through cash and vouchers), emergency supplies (via the distribution of the CARE PACKAGE for Emergencies), healthcare, protection, and emotional support for affected families.
CARE in Colombia
CARE has been working in Colombia since 1954. Today, our teams operate alongside local partners across five regions, including Valle del Cauca, one of the areas hardest hit by the recent earthquake.
