Seventh-day Adventist leaders in Colombia reported no deaths or serious injuries among church members today, as they continued checking congregations and institutions after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, killing more than 100 people nationwide.

Henry Beltrán, president of the South Colombian Union Conference, said the church was maintaining contact with local conference presidents to assess the condition of members, pastors, employees, churches, schools, and other institutions.

“As of this time, we have received no reports of serious incidents or deaths within our church territory,” Beltrán said. “We continue gathering information and remain attentive to any needs that may arise.”

The earthquake struck at 7:34am local time on August 10 near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó department according to the Colombian Geological Service. The shaking was felt across much of the country, including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Bogotá, and Medellín.

Students evacuated in Cali

One of the church’s principal concerns was the CEA Cámbulos Adventist School in Cali, where the earthquake damaged portions of the school’s infrastructure. An apartment building next to the campus also collapsed during the shaking.

Jaime Moreno, youth ministries director of the Pacific Colombian Conference, was in the conference offices when the earthquake began. He said students were evacuated to a nearby sports field and later released to their families.

“Thank God it was not yet the children’s recess time, because otherwise it could have been a very tragic situation,” Moreno said. “The children were evacuated to a nearby field, and from there they began sending them home. Thank God there were no casualties.”

Jeisson Andrade, president of the Pacific Colombia Conference, confirmed that students and employees at CEA Cámbulos, El Cortijo Adventist School in Siloé, and Alfonso López Adventist School were safe.

“All the children were evacuated in time,” Andrade said. “There is structural and physical damage, but the human lives, which are most important, are safe, by the grace of the Lord.”

Andrade said the church remained alert to changing conditions and was prepared to assist affected residents.

“We remain attentive to any situation so that, as a church, we can be God’s hands to those who need help at this time,” he said.

Church damage and continuing assessments

Initial assessments also identified damage at Emanuel Japón Seventh-day Adventist Church in Dosquebradas, Risaralda. Electrical and water services were interrupted in the area and limited cellular service complicated communication with affected congregations.

Church leaders continued gathering information from the South Colombia Union territory and monitoring reports from the North Colombian Union Conference. Beltrán expressed solidarity with families affected beyond the Adventist community and said the church was prepared to respond where needed.

“As a church, we remain ready to act and serve in whatever way is necessary, accompanying not only our members but also the people and communities affected by this emergency,” Beltrán said.

He urged church members to follow official emergency instructions, maintain safety precautions, and pray for families facing death, injury, displacement, and property loss. He also cited Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

ADRA prepares humanitarian response

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Colombia began assessing humanitarian needs and coordinating with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, local humanitarian teams, and departmental disaster-risk authorities.

Jair Flórez, country director for ADRA Colombia, said the agency deployed staff and volunteers in Cali, Valle del Cauca, while assessments continued. As part of its initial response, ADRA distributed cash assistance cards to 144 families affected by the earthquake.

The agency is also exploring funding and coordination opportunities with United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners. ADRA Colombia said it plans to promote an online donation channel via its social media platforms to support its response efforts.

Church and ADRA officials said teams were continuing to assess damage and humanitarian needs in affected communities.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.