Colombia searches for its missing after a powerful earthquake kills more than 100

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026, killing at least 111 people and leaving many trapped under debris. Search and rescue efforts were underway early Tuesday in numerous cities and towns, including Cali, Quibdo, and Pereira, where approximately 1,600 buildings were damaged or collapsed. Over 2,700 people had been reported missing by Monday night, with families seeking information on citizen-run websites. President Abelardo de la Espriella announced the mobilization of military and police resources to aid in the response and pledged rental subsidies for those displaced. The earthquake marks the first major crisis for the newly inaugurated president.

Colombia has declared a state of emergency following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake, one of the largest in years, which struck at 07:34 GMT. The quake's epicenter was in Chocó province, near the Pacific Coast, at a depth of 103km, but its tremors were felt hundreds of kilometers away. At least 132 people have died, with the death toll expected to rise as more individuals are feared trapped under collapsed buildings. Over 480 people were injured, with the city of Pereira experiencing some of the worst damage, including building collapses. The earthquake's impact was concentrated in Pereira and surrounding areas in the Valle del Cauca region, though the village closest to the epicenter reported no casualties.

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing buildings to collapse and resulting in at least 73 deaths, with the toll expected to rise. The quake's epicenter was near San Jose del Palmar, and it was felt across nine departments. Pereira reported the highest death toll with 18 fatalities, while cities like Cali experienced significant structural damage and trapped individuals, prompting requests for disaster teams. Flights were suspended at several airports due to structural damage checks. The U.S. stated there was no tsunami threat, and the Trump Administration offered support to Colombia.

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, with its epicenter in the Chocó department. The quake, which occurred at 7:34 am local time, has resulted in at least 20 deaths, primarily in Pereira and Manizales, where buildings and homes were severely damaged or collapsed. Major cities like Cali also experienced significant structural damage, with some people trapped in rubble. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Venezuela. Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella announced he would travel to Pereira to lead the government's response and ordered a meeting of the national disaster management committee. Airports in several cities sustained damage.

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia and neighboring countries on Monday, with its epicenter near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region. The quake, felt across the region, prompted widespread evacuations and concerns about aftershocks. While the United States Geological Survey reported the magnitude at 7.4, Colombia's geological service initially put it at 6.6. Emergency teams are assessing the impact, with significant damage to buildings reported in Quibdo, the capital of Choco. In Bogotá, the earthquake caused alarms to sound and people to flee into the streets, though no serious structural damage or injuries were reported there. Authorities in Colombia and Ecuador urged residents to remain alert as assessments continue.