Colombia president says earthquake death toll hits 265

Colombia's president has declared an economic emergency in response to a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Monday, August 10, 2026. The powerful tremor has claimed the lives of 265 people and left nearly 3,500 injured, according to the latest reports.

The earthquake caused widespread destruction, with buildings collapsing and significant damage reported across affected regions. Images from Pereira show people searching for survivors amidst the rubble of destroyed structures. The scale of the disaster has prompted the government to take immediate action to address the economic fallout and coordinate recovery efforts.

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We will do what is necessary.

In a statement, President Abelardo de la Espriella vowed that the nation would undertake the necessary measures to rebuild and recover. "We will do what is necessary," he stated, expressing a commitment to ensure the country and its society would "emerge again." The declaration of an economic emergency signals the government's intent to mobilize resources and implement policies aimed at stabilizing the economy and supporting reconstruction.

The focus now shifts to rescue operations, providing aid to the injured, and beginning the long process of rebuilding infrastructure and communities affected by the seismic event. The government's commitment to recovery efforts is paramount as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this significant natural disaster.

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emerge again as a country and as a society.