Help Colombia Respond and Recover

Last updated August 18, 2026

What’s Happening in Colombia?

On August 10, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, centered near San José del Palmar in Chocó — the country's deadliest earthquake since 1999. One week later, the death toll has risen to 294, with 320 people still missing and nearly 4,000 injured, according to Colombia's National Disaster Risk Management Unit. More than 12,000 homes have been destroyed, and the national disaster declaration now spans 12 departments. Cali and Pereira account for more than two-thirds of all deaths. Cali and the surrounding region of Valle del Cauca, where Building Markets has worked for years, are among the areas hardest hit.

Building Markets is on the ground in Colombia.

Our team is working collaboratively with allies in Colombia to assess needs and coordinate emergency response. Our network includes more than 1,400 small businesses across Bogotá and Valle del Cauca.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, access to food, clean water, shelter, and other essential supplies is critical. Many businesses in our network work in the food and essential-goods sectors and are ready to help. We are working to mobilize these local businesses and coordinate with trusted partners so assistance can reach affected communities quickly. In at least one case, our team has already purchased at-risk inventory directly from an affected entrepreneur to prevent immediate losses — a model we're prepared to repeat as more needs are identified.

Please donate today if you can.

Donations will support Building Markets’ emergency response and recovery efforts directly and in collaboration with trusted partners in Colombia.

• Replace lost inventory and raw materials

• Repair or relocate damaged businesses

• Restore working capital

• Reconnect entrepreneurs with buyers and contracts

• Retain workers

• Help local businesses provide essential goods to affected communities

Your gift, of any size, helps us respond quickly and stand with Colombia in this difficult moment. 

Please give today to help Colombia respond, recover, and rebuild.

As the situation evolves, Building Markets will direct funds to the areas of greatest need across our emergency response and recovery efforts in Colombia.

Our Experience in Emergency Response and Recovery

In 2023, in response to the devastating earthquake that hit Türkiye, Building Markets mobilized swiftly and partnered with Give Directly and World Central Kitchen to support local communities. Our team immediately connected local business leaders to assess urgent needs and deliver targeted relief. By providing free workspaces, cash transfers, and partnering on community food relief efforts, we empowered communities to respond to crisis and transition to recovery.