© Jaime SALDARRIAGA / AFP
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday, August 10, causing widespread infrastructure damage and significant casualties. Doctors of the World teams on the ground are assessing needs and mobilizing emergency medical assistance for affected communities.
The epicenter was located in the department of Chocó, near Quibdó—where Doctors of the World has an office and medical teams are already working. Local authorities have reported deaths, injuries, and significant structural damage across multiple cities. Tremors were felt as far as Bogotá and in several neighboring countries. All Doctors of the World staff in Colombia are safe.
“Our priority today is to assess the needs of affected populations and mount a medical response as quickly as possible. Our teams on the ground—particularly those near the epicenter in Quibdó—are already mobilized and reporting serious damage. It is too early to have confirmed figures, but we expect a significant number of injured,” said Elise Lesieur, Director of International Operations for Doctors of the World.
As aftershocks continue, our teams are assessing health needs in coordination with local authorities and humanitarian organizations in the area. A first team based in Quibdó is preparing to deploy a mobile clinic as close as possible to those injured near the epicenter. A second emergency response team based in Bogotá is also ready to deploy.
Doctors of the World has been present in Colombia since 1987, working with populations affected by conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises. We operate in rural and isolated areas where access to healthcare remains limited, providing primary healthcare, sexual and reproductive health services, mental health care, and psychosocial support.
Please donate to our Emergency Response Fund for Colombia to provide lifesaving healthcare and essential support for people impacted by this disaster.