Norway allocates NOK 10 million to earthquake response in Colombia; strengthens local response through Red Cross funding

Norway allocates NOK 10 million to earthquake response in Colombia; strengthens local response through Red Cross funding

Norway allocates NOK 10 million to earthquake response in Colombia.  (14.08.2026) - Norway in Geneva

Norway allocates NOK 10 million to earthquake response in Colombia. (14.08.2026)

Norway increases its support to local earthquake response efforts in Colombia with NOK 10 million. The funding will be drawn from reserve funds earmarked for humanitarian crises and will be allocated to the Red Cross Movement. This contribution is in addition to Norway’s support channeled through humanitarian relief funds.

The Norwegian contribution will support emergency healthcare for the several thousand people injured in this week’s earthquake in Colombia. The funding will also be used to provide clean water and measures to prevent disease outbreaks. Many people have lost their homes in the devastating earthquake. Norwegian funding will support temporary shelter and the most essential household items needed during the acute phase of the response.

In addition, Norway supports the Red Cross’s work on protection, the restoration of telecommunications, and the reconnection of families separated in the chaos following the earthquake.

‘’Many people have lost their lives in the earthquake, but if the response is not swift and effective, the disaster will claim even more lives in the days and weeks ahead. It is therefore crucial to rapidly ensure access to clean water, adequate sanitation and healthcare, to name just a few priorities. The earthquake struck areas with extensive humanitarian needs, which could quickly develop into a major crisis if action is not taken immediately,’’ said Minister of International Development, Åsmund Aukrust.

The NOK 10 million allocated to strengthen local response efforts will be drawn from Norway’s humanitarian reserve. These are funds set aside at the beginning of the year to enable a rapid response to crises. Earlier this week, the United Nations and Red Cross emergency relief funds contributed NOK 60 million. Norway is among the largest contributors to both funds.

‘‘Once again, we see the value of allocating resources to these emergency relief funds at the beginning of the year. This enables Norwegian funding to contribute to the immediate response, without the need for time-consuming procedures in Oslo. We are now increasing our support even further,’ said Aukrust.

The new allocation will strengthen a locally led response, in line with Norway’s humanitarian strategy. Local organisations such as the Colombian Red Cross possess knowledge and trust that makes them particularly well placed to reach affected communities. This also applies to areas where access, security, and communications were already challenging before the earthquake.

‘While local organisations are best placed to respond quickly, they may also have the most difficult job, because they often know the people affected. My thoughts are with all the families who have lost loved ones, everyone affected by this disaster, and the brave humanitarian workers carrying out life-saving work,’ Aukrust concluded.

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