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Colombia Earthquake (2026): How to Help, Find Relief Resources, and Send Money
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Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the earthquake in Colombia. This guide covers trusted ways to support relief efforts, and how to send money to Colombia without paying a transfer fee.
On the morning of August 10th, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Chocó department of western Colombia, near San José del Palmar. The tremors reached Bogotá, Barranquilla, and parts of neighboring Ecuador, but the communities bearing the heaviest impact are in Chocó and the Eje Cafetero region, including Pereira and Manizales, where buildings have collapsed and rescue teams are working in debris.
Colombia's national government has declared a national disaster. As of Monday evening, August 10th, at least 111 people have been confirmed dead, with officials warning that number will rise as teams reach more isolated areas. International aid is arriving.
If you're looking to help, this guide is a starting point: whether you want to donate to relief efforts, find reliable information, or send money directly to your family in Colombia.
How to stay informed
Here are some reliable sources to follow:
English
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program: Technical earthquake data, including magnitude, location, depth, and aftershock information.
The City Paper Bogotá: English-language reporting focused specifically on Colombia.
AP News: International breaking news coverage, updated continuously.
En español
Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC): La fuente oficial para información sobre sismos, réplicas, magnitud y ubicación en Colombia.
Cruz Roja Colombiana: Actualizaciones locales sobre la respuesta de emergencia y ayuda humanitaria.
Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD): Coordinación nacional de la gestión del riesgo y actualizaciones de la respuesta.
BBC News Mundo: Cobertura internacional verificada sobre la situación y los esfuerzos de respuesta.
Ways to support relief efforts
If you're outside Colombia and want to help, here are ways to contribute that were active as of this writing:
Banco de Alimentos Bogotá: accepting monetary donations at their website or via Bre-B transfer key 0091677852. Funds go toward purchasing and distributing food and supplies to affected regions.
Rappi app: the "Turbo" section lets users donate between COP 20,000–120,000 directly to Banco de Alimentos.
Cruz Roja Colombiana (Colombian Red Cross): Donations can be made online, through the DaviPlata app, or by bank transfer to its Davivienda checking account (0560455069996490).
Fundación PLAN Colombia: Fundación PLAN has worked in Colombia for more than 63 years. Donations can be made directly through its earthquake relief page or using the Bancolombia donation key @emergenciaterrem.
Not sure where to give? Charity Navigator or GiveWell are good places to verify organizations before donating.
How to send money to your family in Colombia
For many families, sending money is one of the fastest ways to provide immediate support, and we're here to help you do so. From August 10–16, use promo code MIGENTE for a $0 fee on transfers to Colombia through the Ria app or website.*
Ria's transfer network to Colombia is active. You can send money through Nequi or DaviPlata, two of Colombia's most widely used mobile wallets, or by direct bank deposit to Bancolombia, Davivienda, Banco de Bogotá, BBVA Colombia, and more. Plus, cash pickup at over 3,000 locations nationwide.
Mobile wallet transfers typically arrive within minutes, so your family gets access to funds quickly. Bank deposit and cash pickup delivery times may vary.
To send money fast, all you need is your recipient's full name, their bank or mobile wallet details (or their preferred pickup location), and a valid ID. You can send from the Ria app or website.
FAQ
Can I still send money to Colombia right now?
Yes. Ria's transfer network in Colombia remains operational. If any specific payout locations are affected by earthquake damage, we'll note that here.
I can't reach my family in Colombia — what should I do?
Start with Colombia's national emergency line (123) or the Colombian Red Cross at 132. Local authorities and UNGRD are also sharing updates as search-and-rescue and communications are restored in affected areas.
What's the most effective way to help from outside Colombia?
Two things: donate to a vetted relief organization (see above), and if you have family or friends directly affected, send money straight to them so they can decide what they need most.
How can I tell if a relief fundraiser is legitimate?
Look for established, registered organizations, avoid donating through links sent by unknown contacts, and be skeptical of any request for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer to an individual.
How long is the fee waiver available, and where does it apply?
The $0 fee promotion runs August 10–16, 2026, with promo code MIGENTE, for transfers sent to Colombia from the U.S., Canada, or Chile through the Ria app or website. Terms and conditions apply.
What information do I need to send money through Ria?
Your recipient's full legal name as it appears on their ID, their location, and their preferred way to receive funds: cash pickup, bank deposit, or mobile wallet.
We'll keep this updated
This is a developing situation, and both the humanitarian response and the facts on the ground are changing quickly. We'll revise this post as new, verified information becomes available. If you have loved ones in Colombia, we hope they're safe — and we're here to help you support them.
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*Zero-fee transfers to Colombia on the Ria app or website through August 16, 2026. FX rates apply.
About the author
Gabriela Solis
Gabriela Solis is Ria's Senior Content Writer. Located in Querétaro, México, she focuses on telling stories that show the myriad human faces of remittances.
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