Barranquilla opens aid center for 7.4 quake victims

On August 10, 2026, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake shook much of Colombia. Although Barranquilla did not record structural damage, the municipality activated preventive measures and announced the opening of a collection center to channel aid to the affected areas.

Collection center and location

The donation reception point was set up at Carrera 43 #6-120, in the Barranquillita sector, and will operate permanently, 24 hours a day.

Items accepted for donation

Non‑perishable food, drinking water, medical supplies, personal hygiene items, baby products, clothing in good condition and mattresses will be accepted. Classification and organization of the materials will be the responsibility of the District Risk Management Office, which will coordinate the dispatch to the most affected regions.

Preventive evacuations in the city

As part of the protocols, the municipality ordered the preventive evacuation of several buildings, including the main headquarters of the Mayor's Office of Barranquilla at Paseo Bolívar, the Manzur Tower (Fiscalía offices), the Total Health building on 84 Street with Carrera 47, and the headquarters of the Atlantic Governor's Office. In‑person citizen services were also suspended in various offices to allow technical inspections.

Unified Command Post

Mayor Alejandro Char set up a Unified Command Post (PMU) to centralize preventive actions in the city and coordinate institutional support to the territories impacted by the quake.

Line 195 and hospital protocols

The 195 line remains active for the public to report emergency‑related situations or request guidance. The administration also keeps hospital network care protocols active, ensuring timely response to any needs.

With information from El Tiempo.