Former Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has called on his party and its supporters to coordinate relief efforts and show solidarity with communities devastated by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia this Monday, leaving at least 111 people dead and widespread destruction across several regions.
In a message shared on social media, Petro urged members of his political movement and sympathizers to mobilize resources and support for the hardest-hit areas.
“To all the members of the Pact, who have accompanied and supported us, I call on them to coordinate efforts, activate solidarity and be attentive to the affected communities,” he expressed.
RELATED: Colombia Declares National Disaster After Earthquake Kills at Least 111
Petro expressed particular concern for towns in the department of Chocó, including San José del Palmar, Río Iró, Nóvita, and Quibdó, as well as municipalities in Tolima such as Chaparral, Coello, Payandé, and Ibagué. He also extended his solidarity to residents of Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Cali, and Bogotá, where damage and casualties have been reported.
The former head of State emphasized that the national government must deliver an immediate and coordinated response, outlining urgent priorities: search and rescue operations, medical care, assisted evacuations, temporary housing, access to clean water and food, and psychological support for families who lost loved ones.
A todos los integrantes del @PactoCol, a quienes nos han acompañado y apoyado, les hago un llamado a coordinar esfuerzos, activar la solidaridad y estar atentos a las comunidades afectadas por el fuerte #Temblor registrado a las 7:34 a. m., con epicentro en San José del Palmar,…
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) August 10, 2026
“The Government must guarantee a response that is immediate, articulated, and humane,” Petro stated, stressing that no community should be overlooked. He insisted that the State must prioritize vulnerable populations, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.
“In a national emergency, there can be no forgotten territories or second-class citizens. The State must arrive first where people need it most,” he added.
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Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
The earthquake, one of the strongest to hit Colombia in recent decades, caused severe damage across at least five departments. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped under rubble, while authorities assess the scale of destruction to infrastructure, housing, and public services.
Local reports indicate collapsed buildings, disrupted transportation networks, and widespread power outages. Hospitals in affected regions are overwhelmed, and emergency shelters are being set up to accommodate displaced families. International organizations have also expressed readiness to provide assistance, highlighting the gravity of the disaster.
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook large parts of Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 111 people dead and severe damage in at least five departments, while relief agencies continue search and rescue efforts, and the authorities make progress in assessing the damage.
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