As Quake Hits Country, Gapuma Stands with Colombia

11 August 2026

All of us at Gapuma Group have been following the news from Colombia this week with great concern.

The earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday, its epicentre near San José del Palmar in Chocó, has claimed well over a hundred lives, with serious damage across Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó. Rescue teams continue their work as the full scale of the disaster emerges.

Colombia has long been a valued friend to Gapuma, and this week our first thoughts are with its people – those searching for loved ones, and the emergency workers giving everything to help.

Among our own team is Monica Bernal, whose family calls Colombia home; we have been in close contact with her throughout. We also have a colleague in Medellín, Luis Felipe Quintero, whom we have not yet reached directly. Medellín felt the quake strongly, with precautionary evacuations and a brief metro suspension, but unlike Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó, no serious damage or casualties have been reported there so far. We continue trying to reach him and remain hopeful.

Our Group CEO, Jack Bardakjian, said: “Monica and Luis Felipe are part of the Gapuma family, and our first thoughts were with them when the news broke. We’ve stayed close to Monica throughout, and we’re doing everything we can to reach Luis Felipe. Colombia has always held a special place for us at Gapuma, and it does so now more than ever. To everyone across the country affected – please know we are thinking of you, and hoping, with everything we have, for your safety and for Colombia’s swift recovery.”

To our friends, partners and colleagues across Colombia: you are in our thoughts. We wish you strength in the days ahead, and a swift return to normality.