A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia in August 2026. Chocó and Buenaventura were among the affected areas. Official figures reported deaths, missing people and thousands of injuries. Authorities also estimated that 796 schools were affected. Damage to roads and communications made it harder for teams to assess needs across distant communities. Many families had to leave unsafe homes.
The earthquake disrupted water, electricity, education, health care and phone services. UNICEF began providing water and hygiene supplies for 22,000 people. These supplies included family kits, maternal care items and water tanks. The agency also worked with Colombian authorities to strengthen child protection. UNICEF was coordinating its response with national and local authorities. Assessments continued, so the full number of affected children was not yet known.