(ANS – Medellín) – An earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter in the department of Chocó, shook large areas of western Colombia on the morning of August 10, 2026, causing serious damage to several Salesian institutions. The San Luis Beltrán Salesian Province in Medellín has confirmed that, so far, there have been no reports of casualties among the Salesians, staff, students, and beneficiaries of its Educative and Pastoral Communities (EPCs). However, assessment work is continuing to verify the extent of the human, social, and material damage, while support is being provided to families, staff, and young people associated with the works who have also been affected by the emergency.
Initial reports indicate that 10 of the Province’s 18 communities have sustained damage that is hindering the provision of their educational, pastoral, social, and parish services. Among the most severely affected are the four Salesian works in Cali, the missionary work in Condoto (Chocó), the Salesian College in Dosquebradas, the Salesian presence in Tuluá, and the works in Popayán, Ibagué, and the Pedro Justo Berrío Salesian College in Medellín. Furthermore, the San Pedro Claver Province of Bogotá has reported damage to the Salesian presences in Tumaco y Buenaventura.
Several buildings, particularly older ones, have sustained structural damage that will necessitate the temporary suspension of in-person activities until safe conditions can be guaranteed for the entire educational community. Furthermore, a religious community comprising four Salesians will have to be evacuated and relocated as a precautionary measure due to the risk posed by the structure of their residence.
From the very outset of the emergency, the San Luis Beltrán Salesian Province has activated its response protocols to assist the affected communities, carry out technical assessments of the damage, and manage resources at both national and international levels to enable the restoration of the damaged facilities.
The Provinces have expressed their gratitude for the numerous expressions of solidarity received from the Salesian Family, the Church, and various aid organizations. They have also called for unity in prayer and fraternal support to stand by those affected and ensure the continuity of the educational, pastoral, and social mission for the benefit of thousands of children, young people, and families.
