11th August 2026

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck at 07:34 (12:34 GMT) at a depth of 103km (64 miles) in the Colombian province of Chocó.  At least 132 people are known to have died and more than 480 injured. Over thirty buildings collapsed in Cali, located about 160km south of Pereira and about 200km from the epicentre. In the capital, Bogotá, trees and traffic lights shook violently, and cracks formed in buildings. Tremors were felt in the neighbouring countries of Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama. Colombia’s president, Abelardo de la Espriella, said: “The ⁠national government has all of its capabilities deployed to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver aid wherever it is ​needed. The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble.” 

Loving God, our hearts go out to our neighbours in Colombia. We ask you loving care and peace for all who now mourn the deaths of people they loved.  We seek your care and healing for all who are injured, and your protection for all engaged in search and rescue. We ask your embrace for all who are traumatised and fearful.  We thank you for those who will risk their own safety to rescue others, ensure buildings are safe, and work to restore utilities. We thank you for medical teams supporting people injured and for good neighbours and communities helping people in desperate circumstances. Guide the international community to come to the aid of Colombia in a demonstration of support and compassion.  May this tragic even draw people closer together. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Internationally known NGO, Sightsavers, has been working with the Bengal state education department, schools, teachers and local communities, to strengthen the education system to ensure that children who are blind or have low vision have access to quality and inclusive education. The programme provides Braille education, low-vision devices, accessible learning materials and technology-enabled learning aids, including tablets, DAISY players and laptops. 1,265 children were provided with educational materials essential for classroom learning and 1,390 teachers have been specifically trained to address the learning needs of children with visual impairment in mainstream classrooms. In addition, there was also training for 264 educational administrators on disability inclusion and the education of children with special learning needs, strengthening institutional support for inclusive schooling. 

I sing the almighty power of God,

that made the mountains rise,

that spread the flowing seas abroad,

and built the lofty skies.

I sing the wisdom that ordained

the sun to rule the day;

the moon shines full at God's command,

and all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord,

who filled the earth with food,

who formed the creatures thru the Word,

and then pronounced them good.

Lord, how thy wonders are displayed,

where'er I turn my eye,

if I survey the ground I tread,

or gaze upon the sky.

There's not a plant or flower below,

but makes thy glories known,

and clouds arise, and tempests blow,

by order from thy throne;

while all that borrows life from thee

is ever in thy care;

and everywhere that we can be,

thou, God, art present there.

Isaac Watts 1674-1748