Earthquake in Colombia Results in Tragic Deaths and Injuries
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing widespread devastation.
A month after two major earthquakes killed more than 6,300 people in Venezuela, a massive earthquake of magnitude 7.4 hit Colombia, killing at least 132 people and injuring 570 people.
AdvertisementAn Earthquake of High Intensity
On Monday, August 10, 2026, the Colombian Association of Capital Cities reported on the casualties caused by the earthquake. Five capital cities across Colombia have been placed on red alert, while 86 buildings have collapsed and operations in 7 airports have been suspended.
The epicentre of the earthquake was reported to be in Chocó, which is also the poorest part of the city and more than two-thirds of the population lives in poverty. The earthquake also affected a major hub of Colombia’s coffee industry.
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The Casualties that Followed
According to Mayor Alejandro Eder, at least 85 people have died, while 188 people remain missing and 37 have been rescued in Cali up until now. Around 40 buildings, including a hospital has collapsed.
Eder stated that around 600 troops had been deployed to assist with the situation, with 400-500 more expected to arrive over the night and an additional 232 have been requested.
A curfew was imposed from 20:00 on Monday until 06:00 on Tuesday to keep the civilians safe while the authorities continue with the rescue mission. In Pereira, 16 people were rescued after being trapped in a cable car system for six hours.
International Support
The U.S. government has announced that they have decided to provide $15.5 million in funding to Colombia in light of the recent earthquake for food, shelter, protection, and earthquake assessments.
AdvertisementMeanwhile, the European Union (EU) has activated satellite service to support the rescue efforts. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has expressed the EU’s support and solidarity with Colombia.
She further added that the EU had activated its Copernicus satellite service to help in search and rescue operations in the affected areas and said that it will be ready to provide further assistance if the need arises. Israel, Mexico, Ecuador, and France also offered assistance.
