08/21/2026
Colombia: Ten Days After the Earthquake
By Rev. Dr. Milton Ortiz
C P News: https://cpcmc.org/category/cmt/cp-news/
Ten days after the earthquake that struck Colombia, the magnitude of the disaster remains evident. Reports indicate 314 deaths, 4,437 people injured, and 262 people missing. In total, 472 municipalities were affected, impacting approximately 262,000 people.
The damage to infrastructure is extensive: 127,608 homes were damaged and 29,000 were destroyed, with 197 buildings collapsing. In addition, 300 health centers, 3,200 educational facilities, 4,000 community centers, 410 roads, 95 water systems, 48 vehicle bridges, 13 pedestrian bridges, and 5 airports were affected. The economic and social impact will be significant and will require a long-term recovery effort.
Cumberland Presbyterian Churches
Cumberland Presbyterian congregations in Colombia have also been affected. Current assessments indicate four churches cannot be used because of major damage:
• Caleb – Cali, Cauca Valley
• Emaus – Buenaventura, Cauca Valley
• Armenia – Armenia, Andes
• Pereira – Pereira, Andes
Several other congregations can continue to be used, but with restrictions because of damage or safety concerns:
• Misión Morales – Cauca, Cauca Valley
• Bethel Siloé – Cali, Cauca Valley
• RĂos de Agua Viva – Buenaventura, Cauca Valley
• Los Angeles – Buenaventura, Cauca Valley
• Central Cali – Cali, Cauca Valley
• Quimbaya – Quimbaya, Andes
• Dosquebradas – Dosquebradas, Andes
• Central MedellĂn – MedellĂn, Emaus
Other churches remain usable but have sustained damage:
• Rey de Reyes – Tuluá, Cauca Valley
• Renacer – Cali, Cauca Valley
• Divino Redentor – Buenaventura, Cauca Valley
• Samaria – Cali, Cauca Valley
There are also two rented church facilities that cannot currently be used:
• Rionegro – Antioquia, Emaus
• Occidente Pereira – Pereira, Emaus
These congregations will need continued assessment, pastoral support, and assistance with temporary meeting spaces, repairs, and reconstruction.
Cumberland Presbyterian Schools
The three Colegios Americanos in Colombia are not currently operating.
• Cali – Colegio: The school chapel was damaged and is currently not operating.
• Pereira – Colegio: The school building sustained damage, including the building used by the Pereira church.
• Manizales – Colegio: The school building was not affected by the earthquake; however, the school is not currently operating.
Beyond the physical damage, the schools are likely to face significant financial difficulties. Many families have been economically affected by the earthquake, which may reduce their ability to pay tuition and other educational expenses. This could create additional financial pressure on the schools even after their facilities are ready to reopen.
The Road Ahead
For the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Colombia, the recovery will involve more than repairing buildings. Churches and schools will need to support affected families, provide safe places for worship and education, restore damaged facilities, and respond to the economic consequences of the disaster.
The coming weeks will require careful assessment, coordination, and solidarity among congregations, presbyteries, schools, and the wider Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The immediate priority is to ensure that people are safe and that congregations and schools have the resources needed to resume their ministries as soon as possible.
The Missions Ministry Team is receiving donations to support emergency relief efforts.
Your gift will help provide much-needed aid and share Christ’s love in this time of crisis. If you feel led to help, please consider donating to support relief efforts:
By Mail:
Missions Ministry Team – Colombia Earthquake
8207 Traditional Place
Cordova, TN 38016
Online Giving:
DONATE via Tithely. Click on Disaster Relief and indicate in the Memo it is for Colombia Earthquake.
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