{
  "id": 868727,
  "title": "How to help after Colombia’s devastating earthquake",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/how-to-help-after-colombias-devastating-earthquake",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-14T12:23:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/colombia-earthquakes-how-to-help-where-to-donate-8b3ea2dbbc0870634eb69a48196ffd42"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the aftermath of a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia, relief efforts are underway to assist the thousands affected. More than 280 people have lost their lives, and nearly 11,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving countless others injured and displaced. As of Thursday evening, 350 individuals have been rescued, but hundreds remain missing.\n\nThe earthquake hit urban centers such as Cali and Pereira, as well as remote areas in the department of Chocó. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has pledged a strong government response, but the scale of the disaster across a vast region presents significant challenges.\n\nAid organizations recognize that strengthening democratic and civic institutions could potentially ease the burden, but the scope of the crisis is so immense that immediate assistance remains paramount. Catalina Vargas, Colombia country director for humanitarian group CARE, emphasized that even with robust institutions, the humanitarian needs are immense. The most severely affected region, Chocó, is particularly isolated and underdeveloped, making access difficult regardless of the government's capabilities.\n\nFor those wishing to contribute, financial support is considered the most effective way to aid relief organizations. Abe Diaz, head of disaster relief for Amazon, highlighted that providing cash to these groups enables them the flexibility and agility needed to respond to the diverse and widespread needs of the affected population.",
  "summary": "Just weeks after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela , neighboring Colombia suffered its own deadly temblor Monday, leaving responders, volunteers and loved ones desperately searching for missing people and tending to those…",
  "key_points": [
    "Over 280 people dead, 11,000 homes destroyed in Colombia earthquake",
    "350 rescued, hundreds still missing after 7.4 magnitude quake",
    "Financial contributions most effective aid for relief organizations"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Buenos Aires Herald",
        "title": "Colombia searches for over 2,500 missing people as it mourns 240 earthquake victims",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/colombia-searches-for-over-2-500-missing-people-as-it-mourns-240",
        "published": "2026-08-12T14:37:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "How to help after Colombia’s devastating earthquake",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/how-to-help-after-colombias-devastating-earthquake-871966",
        "published": "2026-08-14T12:07:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}