Collection centers help provide delivery of aid to worst-affected areas

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding with support and aid for victims in the wake of a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on Aug. 10, 2026. The earthquake has left widespread destruction, impacting Salesian institutions and thousands of people.

Salesian missionaries set up collection centers, distributed food, supported rescue teams and provided direct assistance to communities that were already living in vulnerable conditions before the emergency. From these locations, they are coordinating the delivery of aid to the worst-affected areas.

A Salesian explained, “There is a great need to ensure food, water, hygiene, shelter and safety for those who cannot return to their homes. Initial figures indicate that over 350 municipalities have been affected, with severe damage to roads, hundreds of schools damaged, and problems accessing water, electricity, sanitation and telecommunications. Salesians have already moved to provide a direct response on the ground and will continue their work long after the initial rescue operations are over.”

The damage also affects 10 of their 18 communities in the western part of the country. The Salesian said, “We estimate that over 4,000 people associated with our centers have seen their educational, pastoral and social activities disrupted.”

In Cali, one of the cities hardest hit by the earthquake, Salesian aid is directed at the affected population and those who continue to work on the emergency response. Students taking the catering course at Don Bosco Training Center are preparing and distributing food in the towns near Cali. Salesian teams are supporting the rescue teams with breakfasts, rehydration drinks, ice and equipment.

In Buenaventura, The Youth Service Foundation based there has a long tradition of commitment to youth, women, and families living in poverty and facing marginalization. Casa Bosconia Buenaventura is one of the communities hardest hit. Even before the earthquake, Casa Bosconia provided daily meals to around 100 children. For some, this was their only meal of the day. It also offered craft education courses to around 200 mothers in a community.

The Salesian noted, “Now, many of those same families have lost their homes or are unable to return to them. There are people sleeping outdoors, in the rain, without electricity or a regular water supply. In an area characterized by high temperatures and humidity, the lack of water and sanitation facilities also increases the risk of disease.”

Salesian missionaries in Buenaventura have begun distributing food and hygiene products to the affected families.

In the initial phase of this support, Salesians are working to support 1,200 people. The Salesian added, “We aim to distribute 500 hygiene kits, 100 emergency kits and 500 parcels of essential foodstuffs. After that is reconstruction. Damaged structures will be assessed. Those deemed unsafe will be demolished and educational and community spaces will be rebuilt in accordance with seismic safety and accessibility standards.”

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Colombia – One week after the earthquake, aid to those worst affected is increasing

Salesian Missions – Colombia

World Bank – Colombia