The diplomatic response to the earthquake is expanding. On August 11, the vice-presidency announced that more than 12 countries intended to send humanitarian aid and rescue teams, along with confirmations of over $1.3 billion in cooperation for reconstruction. One hour later, the Foreign Ministry detailed the international appeal and the coordination requested from the United Nations.
More than 12 countries and $1.3 billion announced
At 6:07 p.m., the vice-presidency said more than 12 countries had announced shipments of humanitarian aid and rescue teams. It also said it had received confirmation of more than US$1.3 billion in cooperation for reconstruction.
The post gives no complete country list or breakdown of amounts, instruments, conditions, timetable or disbursements. This is an attributed announcement: it does not prove that funds have been paid or that every team has arrived. Possible overlap with earlier announcements from the United States, the IDB, the World Bank or other partners is not documented.
A formal appeal and command post
At 7:01 p.m., the Foreign Ministry said it had appealed to the international community to support the most affected critical areas. On instructions from President Abelardo de la Espriella, Foreign Minister Omar Bula established an international cooperation command post and had asked the competent agencies of governments represented in Bogotá for help on August 10.
The ministry says it is working with the UN resident coordinator, UN agencies, funds and programmes, and the Humanitarian Country Team. It asked OCHA Colombia to coordinate the emergency response; that request must not be described as a completed operational outcome.
Measuring damage before defining needs
The Foreign Ministry also asked UNDP to develop a field methodology using satellite imagery and drones to measure damage. UNGRD must first consolidate needs before a detailed list is sent to international partners.
Assessment therefore remains under way. At 8:12 p.m., UNGRD was participating in Cali’s unified command post, led by Mayor Alejandro Eder and the transport minister, where authorities were still assessing damage and coordinating action without publishing a new quantified toll.
The president in Manizales
At 7:48 p.m., speaking from Manizales, President Abelardo de la Espriella said he had come to listen to families and work on solutions. He appealed for solidarity and said the state remained present.
The message signals political presence but announces no new amount, defined measure or quantified result. The next points to verify are the country list, each offer’s status, the legal nature and timetable of the $1.3 billion, and the needs list UNGRD is expected to transmit.
Sources and transparency
- Vice-présidence de Colombie — 11 août 2026, 18 h 07 COT
- Cancillería de Colombia — appel international, 11 août 2026, 19 h 01 COT
- Cancillería de Colombia — coordination ONU et OCHA
- Cancillería de Colombia — demande au PNUD
- Président Abelardo de la Espriella — Manizales, 11 août 2026, 19 h 48 COT
- UNGRD — poste de commandement de Cali, 11 août 2026, 20 h 12 COT