Controversy erupts over congressman who asked for money to be deposited into his personal savings account for the victims of the Colombian earthquake: “They think we’re idiots.”

On Monday, August 10, 2026, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter near San José del Palmar, Chocó, struck Colombia, resulting in 181 deaths and 1,310 injuries as of the initial reports, with rescue efforts ongoing. In the aftermath of the disaster, President Abelardo de la Espriella traveled to Pereira on Tuesday, August 11, to tour affected areas, coordinate the national crisis response, and announce assistance measures for the victims.

Simultaneously, the disaster triggered political controversy after a Colombian congressperson asked citizens to deposit earthquake relief funds directly into a personal savings account, prompting public backlash. Meanwhile, public figures, including Colombia national football team coach Néstor Lorenzo, issued messages of solidarity and unity to support the country through the crisis.