Help Colombia Respond and Recover

Last updated August 11, 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 earthquake has caused devastating loss of life and widespread damage across the region. More than 100 people have been reported killed, hundreds have been injured, and homes, businesses, hospitals, roads, and other critical infrastructure have been damaged. Cali and the surrounding region of Valle del Cauca, where Building Markets has worked for years, are among the areas affected.

Building Markets is on the ground in Colombia, and our team is mobilizing to respond.

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 partners so assistance can reach affected communities quickly.

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:

• Assess and respond to urgent needs in affected communities

• Mobilize local businesses, suppliers, and partners to provide essential goods and services

• Coordinate with humanitarian and community partners to get assistance where it is needed

• Help communities and local economies recover and rebuild in the weeks and months ahead

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.