UPDATED TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026 9:55 AM EST

Matthew 25: Ministries is responding to the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, causing widespread destruction and affecting communities throughout the region.

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in western Colombia and was felt across much of the country, including the cities of Bogotá, Medellín and Cali. Widespread damage has been reported in the Chocó, Risaralda and Valle del Cauca regions, where homes, businesses and critical infrastructure have been severely impacted. More than 130 fatalities have been reported with more than 500 injured. These numbers are expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue and emergency officials assess the full extent of the devastation and humanitarian needs.

Matthew 25: Ministries is shipping essential relief supplies to assist those affected by the earthquake. Shipments will include personal care items, cleaning supplies, paper products and other humanitarian essentials to help individuals and families facing the immediate challenges caused by the disaster. Aid will be distributed through trusted partner organizations already serving affected communities to ensure supplies reach those most in need as quickly as possible.

“Our hearts are with the people of Colombia as they face the devastating aftermath of this earthquake,” said Tim Mettey, CEO of Matthew 25: Ministries. “In the wake of disasters like this, access to basic necessities can make an immediate difference for families who have lost so much. We are grateful for our trusted partners who are already responding on the ground, and we remain committed to providing critical aid that brings hope, relief and encouragement during this difficult time.”

WAYS TO HELP

• Donate online or mail checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 (100% of donated funds designated for the 2026 Colombia Earthquake will be used for the purpose intended).

• Cases of bottled water: 12 and 24 count
• Personal care products: Antibacterial soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion, etc.
• Cleaning supplies: Laundry detergents, general cleaner, sponges, bleach (powdered form is preferred), mops, scrub brushes, buckets, rubber gloves, etc.
• Paper products: Toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
• Baby and infant supplies: Diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, baby wash, baby shampoo, baby lotion, etc.
• First-aid items: Bandages, gauze, pads, first aid tape, antiseptic creams, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, latex gloves, instant cold packs, etc.
• Candles and flashlights: If necessary, please include the appropriate size batteries with any flashlight donation
• Clean-up supplies: Protective eyewear, work gloves, trash bags etc.

Additional Donation Drop-Off Locations:

Volunteering:

• Volunteers are essential to the work of Matthew 25: Ministries. If you are interested in volunteering at our facility in Blue Ash, OH please visit our volunteering page for more information on how to get involved.

Donors who would like to designate their financial gifts for the 2026 Colombia Earthquake may do so by writing “2026 Colombia Earthquake” in the memo line of their check or by typing it in the “Additional Information” field of the online giving form. Please mail checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242. 100% of donated funds designated for the 2026 Colombia Earthquake will be used for the purpose intended.