Colombia earthquake death toll rises to at least 132

Colombia earthquake death toll rises to at least 132
A rescue worker raises his fists to call for silence to locate victims under the rubble following an earthquake, in Cali, Colombia, 10 August 2026
Reuters

At least 132 people have died and 570 have been injured after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, the Colombian Association of Capital Cities reported.

Five capital cities across Colombia have been placed on red alert, while 86 buildings have collapsed and seven airports have suspended operations.

The epicentre was in Chocó, Colombia’s poorest department, where more than two-thirds of the population live in poverty. The earthquake also affected the country’s “Coffee Axis”, a major hub for Colombia’s coffee industry.

In Pereira, 16 people were rescued after being trapped in a cable car system for six hours.

The earthquake comes just over a month after two major tremors killed more than 6,300 people in neighbouring Venezuela. 

Residents dig through the debris of a collapsed building after an earthquake, in Cali, Colombia, 10 August 2026
Reuters
U.S. pledges $15.5 million in aid

The U.S. government is providing $15.5 million in funding to Colombia for shelter, food, protection and earthquake assessments, the State Department announced on X.

“We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and stand ready to support President Abelardo de la Espriella and his government as they assess the needs on the ground,” the State Department said. 

A resident who lost his family in the earthquake of Armenia stands in the remains of his home, 26 January 1999
Reuters
Columbia's 1999 earthquake

More than 25 years ago, on 25th January, 1999, another deadly earthquake struck Colombia’s coffee-growing region. The 6.1-magnitude quake killed 1,185 people, injured more than 8,500 and destroyed 35,972 homes.

The 1999 tragedy prompted Colombia to strengthen its earthquake preparedness, with evacuation drills now conducted at least twice a year in cities including Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla and Cali.

Read more

Tags