Salesians provide support from first hours of emergency

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding with support and aid for earthquake victims as they assess damages at Salesian centers 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.

The epicenter of the earthquake was in the department of Chocó, causing serious damage to several Salesian institutions. In a letter, Father José Ariel Guerrero Castro, provincial, noted, “Assessment work is continuing to verify the extent of human, social and material damage, while support is being provided to families, staff and young people associated with the Salesian centers who have also been affected by the emergency.”

Initial reports indicate that 10 of the Salesian province’s 18 communities have sustained damage that is hindering the provision of their educational, pastoral, social and parish services. Among the most severely affected are the four Salesian centers in Cali, the missionary centers in Condoto, Tuluá, Popayán, and Ibagué, the Salesian College in Dosquebradas, and the Pedro Justo Berrío Salesian College in Medellín.

The San Pedro Claver Province of Bogotá has reported damage to the Salesian centers in Tumaco and Buenaventura. Several buildings, particularly the older ones, have sustained structural damage that will necessitate the temporary suspension of in-person activities until safe conditions can be guaranteed for the entire educational community. This is particularly difficult for the local population as these territories are characterized by high socioeconomic vulnerability and impacted by armed conflict. These communities have historically faced significant gaps in access to basic services and adequate living conditions.

From the first hours of the emergency, the Salesian province activated its response protocols to provide support for the affected communities, conduct technical damage assessments, and prioritize relief and recovery actions. At the same time, efforts are underway to secure resources and coordinate with national and international cooperation agencies to address the most urgent needs, restore safe conditions, and ensure the continuity of the Salesian educational, pastoral, and social mission.

Fr. Castro added, “Given the scale of this emergency, the San Luis Beltrán Salesian Province calls on national and international cooperation agencies, Salesian provinces, the Don Bosco Network, mission offices, foundations, companies, benefactors, and all people of goodwill to join forces in support of the affected communities.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

ANS – Colombia – Earthquake hits ten communities in the San Luis Beltrán Salesian Province in Medellín

Salesian Missions – Colombia

World Bank – Colombia