On Tuesday, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele announced the deployment of two cargo planes carrying 100 tons of humanitarian aid to Colombia. This effort comes in response to a catastrophic 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the northwest of the country two days earlier, resulting in at least 188 fatalities and over 1,600 injuries, according to the latest official reports.
In a post on X, the Central American leader elaborated on the operation, stating that the Colombian government had specifically requested supplies rather than rescue personnel.
"The Government of Colombia has asked for humanitarian aid solely in the form of supplies to assist families affected by the earthquake. They have informed us that their rescue teams, medical staff, and other emergency services are already deployed and managing the situation, so they do not currently need personnel support," he explained.
The first plane departed for Cali on Tuesday night, with the second scheduled to take off on Wednesday.
Coordinated Humanitarian Response
The aid was prepared based on the needs communicated by the authorities in the earthquake-stricken country and includes food, essential supplies, hygiene kits, medications, and medical equipment.
The operation was coordinated between the foreign ministries of both nations.
Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake struck on Monday at 7:34 a.m., with its epicenter located in San José del Palmar, Chocó department, at a depth of between 96 and 110 kilometers as reported by various seismological agencies.
The tremor was felt in cities such as Bogotá, Cali, Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia, as well as in neighboring Ecuador and Panama.
The Colombian Geological Service recorded more than 60 aftershocks following the main quake, while the United States Geological Survey issued an orange alert, estimating potential fatalities to be between 100 and 1,000.
Widespread Damage and Controversy
Material damage is extensive: 61 buildings have collapsed, 37 homes have been destroyed, and more than 1,500 houses have suffered damage.
Subsequent reports raised the death toll to at least 240, though this figure does not match the latest government count.
The Colombian government's decision to decline international rescue personnel sparked controversy: the United Nations reported not receiving a formal request for assistance, and Colombian media indicated that authorities later accepted international rescuers following public pressure.
This gesture by Bukele reflects a consistent pattern in his foreign policy. In June 2026, after earthquakes struck Venezuela, El Salvador sent six planes with 300 rescuers and 150 tons of equipment and supplies in a large-scale operation.
"We will remain attentive to the development of the emergency, and if our Colombian brothers need any other type of support, we will be ready to provide it," Bukele concluded in his message, also offering his prayers for the victims and their families.
FAQs on Humanitarian Aid and Earthquake Response
What did El Salvador send to Colombia as humanitarian aid?
El Salvador sent 100 tons of humanitarian aid, including food, essential supplies, hygiene kits, medications, and medical equipment to assist those affected by the earthquake in Colombia.
Why did Colombia not request international rescue personnel?
Colombia indicated that their own rescue teams, medical staff, and emergency services were adequately managing the situation, so they only requested supplies and not additional personnel.
How significant was the earthquake in terms of impact?
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake resulted in at least 188 deaths, over 1,600 injuries, and significant structural damage, with 61 buildings collapsed and more than 1,500 houses damaged.