UNICEF Responds to Support Children and Families Affected by the Earthquake in Colombia

Following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia, UNICEF deployed its humanitarian response to support affected children and families in Chocó and Buenaventura. Thousands of people, including children and adolescents, have been affected, with Chocó, the department closest to the epicenter of the earthquake, being one of the most affected and vulnerable areas.

According to official figures, the earthquake has caused 181 deaths, 195 missing people and more than 2,595 injured. While the total number of children affected is still being assessed, an estimated 796 schools have been affected, raising concerns about disruptions to children's learning and access to safe spaces.

Damage to critical infrastructure has disrupted access to water, education, electricity, health services, and telecommunications, while connectivity issues and the geographic dispersion of communities continue to hinder needs assessments.

UNICEF is providing water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies for 25,000 people in Chocó and Buenaventura, including family hygiene kits, maternal care kits, menstrual hygiene kits, and water storage tanks. UNICEF is also working in coordination with the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF) to strengthen prevention and response measures in child protection for children affected by the earthquake.

With more than two decades of presence in Chocó, a continuous presence in Buenaventura and more than 76 years in the country, UNICEF is coordinating its response with national and local authorities and UN partners and is ready to scale up its support to ensure children and their families have access to life-saving assistance and protection.

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