Colombia Earthquake Kills 132, Injures Over 570

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake rocked Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026, leaving at least 132 dead and over 570 injured. The tremor caused widespread devastation, with dozens of buildings collapsing and hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. Several airports in the central and western regions suspended operations due to damage.

Emergency teams are actively engaged in search and rescue operations amidst the rubble. Pereira has reported the highest death toll among Colombian capitals, with 60 fatalities according to a preliminary count by the Colombian Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales). This figure does not include casualties from surrounding municipalities and towns near the epicenter, which also sustained damage to buildings, hospitals, and infrastructure.

The Colombian Geological Service recorded the earthquake at 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located in San José del Palmar, Chocó, at a depth of 103 kilometers. The seismic activity was felt across major cities including Bogotá, Cali, Popayán, Manizales, Armenia, Pereira, and Medellín, as well as in neighboring countries like Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just three days prior, declared a state of "national disaster." He established a Unified Command Post to coordinate the response and visited Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, to meet with local authorities. De la Espriella emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the needs of the affected regions, noting that Chocó holds a special place in his heart due to its history of neglect. He assured that financial resources are available and that state teams are deployed to assist the victims.

In Pereira, rescue efforts are concentrated on critical sites as authorities search for individuals potentially trapped under collapsed structures. Mayor Mauricio Salazar imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday to prevent looting. The Matecaña International Airport remains closed due to roof damage, and emergency services are also attending to people stranded on the Megacable, the city's public cable car system. Cali has also implemented security measures as its hospitals reach capacity.