STORY: The Colombian government led on Friday (August 28) a "Grand Candlelight Vigil" in Bogota to honor the victims of the earthquake and support recovery efforts.

The Presidency called on citizens to donate aid and light a candle for Colombia's reconstruction during the solidarity event, where hundreds gathered under the slogan: "United in one heart, together we will rebuild Colombia."

That same day, President Abelardo de la Espriella visited Cali, where he met with officials and affected families.

The August 10 earthquake, one of the biggest in Colombia’s history, affected 16 of the country’s 32 departments and 196,000 families, according to the United Nations. At least 331 people were reported dead.

The UN said on Friday that shelter, healthcare, education and livelihoods were the most pressing needs following Colombia’s deadly earthquake, as it appealed for $148 million to respond to the emergency.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: BOGOTA, COLOMBIA (AUGUST 28, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all) (NIGHT SHOTS)

1. VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS AT VIGIL HOLDING LIT CANDLES, SINGING

2. ATTENDEE SINGING WHILE HOLDING COLOMBIA FLAG

3. LIT CANDLE

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) COLOMBIA’S FIRST LADY, ANA LUCIA PINEDA, SAYING:

"Today we lift our eyes to God and give thanks to Him for allowing us to come together in prayer, asking for the reconstruction of these regions. But also, and more importantly, for the restoration of every affected family. And above all, so that we may never, ever lose hope."

5. CATHEDRAL

6. PARTICIPANTS AT VIGIL HOLDING LIT CANDLES, SINGING

7. ATTENDEE SINGING WHILE HOLDING COLOMBIA FLAG

8. COLOMBIA FLAG WAVING

9. PARTICIPANTS AT VIGIL HOLDING LIT CANDLES

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VIGIL ATTENDEE, VICTORIA VARGAS, SAYING:

“It (event) means emotional and spiritual support. We know that many people are suffering because they’ve lost family members. And we want to tell them that we feel their pain. We’re here to support them; God is with you. And we’ll be here praying every day for as long as it takes to heal those hearts and souls that have been lost because of the earthquake.”

CALI, COLOMBIA (AUGUST 28, 2026) (COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT TV - Access all) (MUTE)

11. VARIOUS OF COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT ABELARDO DE LA ESPRIELLA VISITING QUAKE-HIT AREA