11 August 2026
British Methodists are encouraged to hold the people of Colombia in prayer after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the west of the country on 10 August.
The quake struck at 07.34am local time in Chocó Province, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar. Shaking was felt for around two minutes and was felt across Colombia and neighbouring countries of Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela.
Local officials report at least 132 people have been killed and more than 480 injured, with the number expected to rise. The government has also recorded 1,575 damaged homes, 18 damaged health centres and 52 affected schools. Significant damage has also been reported to transport infrastructure, with roads and airports affected across the region.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of national disaster and activated national rescue and disaster relief teams, stating that the immediate priority is to rescue those trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The Colombian Methodist Church has reported that one of their congregations in Cali has been affected and is working with local pastors to respond with support for these communities.
Methodists across the Connexion are invited to pray for those who have lost loved ones, for those still trapped or injured, for rescue workers and for the Methodist communities in Chocó, Valle del Cauca and surrounding departments as they respond.
A prayer for Colombia:
Loving God,
We hold the people of Colombia before you today.
We pray for those who are grieving, for those who have been injured, and for those whose homes, livelihoods and communities have been affected by the earthquake.
We give thanks for the courage, compassion and resilience being shown by neighbours, community leaders, emergency responders and churches as they care for one another. Strengthen all those who are responding to this crisis.
We pray especially for the Colombian Methodist Church as it accompanies communities, joining in with the work of recovery and offering your hope to the people they encounter.
Keep us mindful that we are one body in Christ. As communities across Colombia respond with resilience and compassion, help us in Britain to join with them in prayer, friendship and hope.
Amen.