SINGAPORE, 13 AUGUST 2026 – In response to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on 10 August 2026, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has committed S$50,000 in humanitarian relief assistance to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, including the Colombian Red Cross. The contribution will complement the locally-led humanitarian response and support the immediate humanitarian efforts such as temporary shelter, food and essential relief supplies, and emergency healthcare. 

SRC has also extended a second tranche of S$50,000 for relief and rebuilding efforts by the Venezuelan Red Cross, on top of the first tranche of S$100,000 in June to the Venezuelan Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This brings the total support for the Venezuela earthquake response to S$150,000. SRC’s second tranche complements the locally-led response and reflects its continued commitment beyond the immediate phase of the emergency as affected communities face a longer recovery. 

These donations were announced at the SRC’s Humanitarian Night, which brought together the diplomatic community, key partners, regional stakeholders, and the SRC community. Singapore’s contributions were symbolically presented by SRC Chairman Tan Kai Hoe to the Ambassador of Venezuela to Singapore and the Deputy Head of Mission at the Colombian Embassy here, who received the donations on behalf of the affected communities. 

Humanitarian Night was a dinner reception within SRC’s Humanitarian Week, taking place from 11 August to 15 August, culminating with the 11th Singapore Humanitarian Conference on Saturday, 15 August.

 Mr Yesid Bonilla, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Colombia in Singapore

Her Excellency Jessica Lopez, Ambassador, Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Singapore

At the Humanitarian Night, Singapore Red Cross Secretary General/CEO Benjamin William spoke about how the global humanitarian landscape is becoming increasingly complex, shaped by conflict, climate change, and more frequent and interconnected disasters. He highlighted the need for humanitarian organisations to continuously adapt and innovate while remaining grounded in humanitarian principles and for the sector to move beyond reactive response towards greater preparedness, resilience, and long-term capacity building. He shared how the Singapore Red Cross is strengthening resilience at home by responding to emerging risks such as heat and haze, expanding first aid and psychosocial support capabilities, and supporting vulnerable communities while deepening its impact abroad through disaster preparedness, pandemic readiness, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among National Societies, particularly in Southeast Asia and small states. He emphasised that partnerships and solidarity will remain critical to building a stronger and more resilient humanitarian ecosystem. 

About the Colombia Earthquake

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Western Colombia has claimed more than 250 lives, with many injured or unaccounted for. Casualty figures continue to change as search and rescue operations and assessments progress. By the afternoon of 11 August, more than 100 aftershocks were recorded, creating continued risks for affected communities and responders. Landslides, damaged roads, airport disruptions, and interrupted communications are impeding access to some communities, particularly in Chocó, and making it difficult to establish the full extent of the impact.

The Colombian Red Cross has activated its National Crisis Room and mobilised search and rescue teams, volunteers, and health capacities across the affected areas. The IFRC has committed CHF 26 million to support and scale up the Colombian Red Cross’s response and support to approximately 24,000 people.

About the Venezuela Earthquake

The magnitude 7.2 earthquake, followed shortly by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, has claimed more than 6,000 lives; injured more than 16,740 people, and close to 18,000 people have lost their homes. 

The Venezuelan Red Cross has established two health service points to deliver essential health services, including mental health and psychosocial services, reaching over 4,900 persons. To date, more than 2,000 families have been reached through their distributions of essential household items (kitchen sets, blankets, and sleeping kits), and relief items for health and hygiene promotion (cleaning kits, hygiene kits, jerrycans, buckets, water treatment tablets, mosquito nets, and water filters). The VRC will continue to support the temporary accommodation shelter , deliver essential health services, including mental health and psychosocial support, and support the provision of safe drinking water and proper sanitation for affected communities.

SRC continues to support affected communities through its Movement and other ground partners, whose locally based teams and volunteers have been responding since the earthquakes struck. Sustained support remains essential to enable continued humanitarian assistance as needs evolve. SRC’s public fundraising appeal for the Venezuela earthquakes remains open until 30 September 2026.