United States mobilizes emergency response following Colombia earthquake
The United States Department of State has launched an immediate humanitarian response after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck regions of Colombia on August 10, 2026. Within hours of the disaster, the Department announced $15.5 million in life-saving emergency shelter, food, and protection assistance, along with post-earthquake structural assessments, according to a press release issued by the Office of the Spokesperson on August 11, 2026. A Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) was activated the same day, with members beginning to arrive in Colombia within hours. The Department is coordinating directly with Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella and the Colombian government. The response underscores Washington’s commitment to swift action following natural disasters in the hemisphere.
The earthquake caused widespread devastation across several regions of Colombia. The State Department activated its emergency mechanisms immediately after the event to assess damage and coordinate relief. The DART includes humanitarian experts drawn from across the Department of State. It works alongside existing assistance personnel and diplomats at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota. Coordination with local authorities and partner organizations is central to the operation.
The DART is tasked with providing disaster response expertise, technical and programmatic support, operational leadership, and on-the-ground coordination. Team members are responsible for assessing conditions, identifying humanitarian needs, and leading the U.S. Government’s disaster response. The $15.5 million assistance package is being channeled through trusted partners, including Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the International Organization for Migration, Miyamoto International, the UN World Food Program, and World Vision. Of that total, $3 million provided through CRS draws from a previously announced global assistance award. CRS is able to respond immediately using funding already on hand through its global award.
As part of the Department’s $3.8 billion contribution to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United States provided $200 million to the Colombia Pooled Fund. OCHA can use these resources to address earthquake-related needs as well as preexisting humanitarian needs in Colombia. The Department stated that “The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans.” Consular support is being extended to U.S. citizens and their families in the affected areas. Americans in Colombia are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety updates.