Churches Across Colombia Shelter Survivors After Deadly 7.4 Earthquake
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, killing at least 287 people and injuring more than 4,100. Churches and Christian aid organizations have become primary centers of refuge, providing food, shelter, and pastoral support to displaced families across 12 departments.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia on August 10, 2026, centered near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department. At least 287 people died, more than 4,100 were injured, and 143 remain missing. Over 14,000 homes were destroyed.
Churches took on an immediate role in the disaster response. In the Diocese of Quibdó, local priests described losing recently renovated churches and presbyteries, saying they had to "start over from scratch." In Manizales, the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary suffered a partial tower collapse. Across the department of Antioquia alone, 29 churches were damaged.
Despite the destruction, congregations opened their doors to displaced families. The Iglesia Rediseñados in Pereira, led by Pastor Jaime and Alejandra Arroyave, organized food distribution, shelter, and search-and-rescue support through People to People Ministries.
Aid to the Church in Need sent a team to the dioceses of Quibdó, Istmina-Tadó, and Buenaventura to assess damage and support pastoral workers. Direct Relief coordinated cargo flights to deliver medical personnel, blood, and thousands of tarps for temporary shelter, distributing supplies through local churches in remote areas of Chocó.
The Catholic Church and various Protestant organizations have continued serving as distribution hubs as international aid flows into the region. Relief workers say the church network has been critical for reaching communities cut off by damaged roads.
