World

Colombia earthquake: rescuers search for survivors after magnitude 7.4 quake

Herz — World Desk · 11 August 2026 at 05:17 · 30s summary · 2 min read

The essentials

Rescuers are searching for survivors after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia’s western Chocó department on August 10, 2026. Published nationwide death tolls range from 18 to 111. President Abelardo de la Espriella reported 87 people injured, about 1,500 homes damaged and 61 buildings collapsed. Six airports suspended commercial flights because of infrastructure damage. By late afternoon, the Colombian Geological Service had recorded 47 aftershocks. The president declared a national state of emergency as international assistance began to arrive.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Chocó on August 10.
Published nationwide death tolls range from 18 to 111.
The president reported 87 injured and 61 buildings collapsed.
Six airports suspended commercial flights.
Rescuers are searching for survivors in several cities.

What we know

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia’s western Chocó department on the Pacific coast early on August 10, 2026.

Le Temps reported 111 deaths nationwide. Earlier reports published by Lost in the Jungle put the toll at at least 18, 20, 22 or 82, and later at more than 100. The figures may reflect successive updates and remain contradictory.

President Abelardo de la Espriella announced a provisional nationwide toll of 87 people injured, about 1,500 homes damaged and 61 buildings collapsed.

The earthquake was described as the most powerful to strike the region or the country in ten years. Tremors were felt in Bogotá, Cali and Medellín.

Searching through the rubble

Buildings collapsed in several cities, leaving people trapped beneath the rubble. Professional rescuers, volunteers and residents searched for survivors, particularly in Cali and Pereira.

At least 20 buildings collapsed in Cali. Volunteers formed human chains and cleared rubble with pickaxes and basic tools.

In Pereira, hospitals were overwhelmed by demand, according to Mayor Mauricio Salazar. In Manizales, one of the cathedral’s towers broke away during the earthquake.

Aftershocks and transport disruption

The Colombian Geological Service had recorded 47 aftershocks by late afternoon on August 10, 2026.

Six airports in western Colombia suspended commercial flights after their infrastructure was damaged.

State of emergency and international response

De la Espriella, who had been in office for three days, declared a national state of emergency and promised a coordinated rescue operation.

The president visited Chocó on August 10, 2026, and announced that he would travel to Cali within the following hours.

The United States offered $15.5 million to fund emergency shelter, food, protection measures and damage assessments.

The European Union activated Copernicus, its programme for continuously collecting data about the state of the Earth, to support rescue operations. It also said it was ready to provide further assistance.

The United Nations offered support. Several Latin American countries, Israel, Spain, Switzerland and France expressed solidarity with Colombia.

Colombian singer Shakira also posted a message of support for her country on X after the earthquake.