Rescuers and volunteers intensify the search for survivors this August 11, 2026, after the most powerful earthquake to hit Colombia in the last ten years. The disaster has already resulted in at least 162 deaths, more than 500 injuries and dozens of missing people, according to the most recent report.
In the city of Cali, where health facilities have reached maximum capacity, local authorities imposed a curfew and enacted militarization to facilitate rescue efforts and maintain order.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just four days ago, declared a state of emergency throughout the country and promised to coordinate a vast relief operation. The structural damage was extensive, affecting at least 18 hospitals and 52 schools, in addition to six airports that suspended their commercial activities.
The tremor, with magnitude 7.4, was registered at 7:34 am local time (9:34 am in Brasília), according to information from the geological services of Colombia and the United States. Its epicenter was located in the municipality of San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, at a depth of 103 kilometers. This depth, although it reduces the surface intensity in some points, can expand the impact area, explaining the reports of damage in several regions.
In the hours following the earthquake, cities in the western portion of the country experienced scenes of widespread panic. Thousands of citizens left their homes and sought refuge in the streets, while several buildings collapsed or presented serious structural problems.
Health units in Cali reach their limit after the earthquake
In the city of Cali, the third largest in Colombia and one of the hardest hit, rescue teams work hard, often with their bare hands, removing rubble in a tireless search for survivors.
The city recorded at least 26 deaths and 456 injuries. Local hospitals are operating at 100% capacity, a critical situation that has been worsened by the need to evacuate four major hospitals damaged by the tremors.
Learn more: 7.7 magnitude earthquake shakes Indonesia and triggers tsunami warning in the east of the country
A section of the Hospital Universitario del Valle Evaristo García (HUV), one of the main high-complexity treatment centers in the region, suffered a partial collapse. Records of the collapse circulated widely on social media, forcing the transfer of patients and services to tents set up in the parking lot and green areas of the complex.
Other units that also reported significant structural damage include Clínica Nuestra Cali, Clínica Dessa and Clínica Colombia.
Given the urgency, health authorities temporarily suspended elective surgeries, outpatient consultations and other procedures not considered emergency. The objective is to free up beds and medical teams to prioritize care for earthquake victims.
Security measures restrict circulation in affected cities
“The arrival at this point was dramatic. It seemed like the end of the world, with cars and motorbikes traveling the wrong way in search of family members”, reported rescuer Nelson Moreno, who participated in the rescue of a friend trapped after the collapse of two five-story residential towers. He confirmed that the woman’s father and her baby were rescued alive, but were injured.
Moreno added that “now we need flashlights and protective glasses” as he was surrounded by hundreds of volunteers and sniffer dogs in the search area.
Rescue teams form human chains to remove debris using pickaxes and basic tools. They often stop work and ask for total silence to try to capture any sign of life under the rubble.
On the same topic: French city imposes curfew on minors during World Cup
Faced with the chaotic scenario, Cali city hall imposed a curfew from 8pm on August 10th until 6am on August 11th, in addition to the militarization of the city. Mayor Alejandro Eder explained that the measure aims to guarantee the safety and movement of emergency teams, allowing search and rescue efforts to be concentrated.
“There are threats of looting. For this reason, I ordered a curfew and militarization in Cali,” said Eder, asking the population to report any attempted looting or unsafe situation. The municipal management also declared a state of public calamity, aiming to optimize the allocation of resources and institutional actions to respond to the emergency and support the most affected areas.
Pereira city hall also adopted a curfew, which was in effect from 6pm on August 10th until 5am on August 11th. “We decreed a curfew to protect local businesses,” declared Mayor Mauricio Salazar.
With 60 confirmed deaths to date, the Risaralda department is the most impacted by the earthquake. Hospitals in the region also report overcrowding. According to authorities, 18 buildings were completely destroyed and another 60 suffered partial damage in this area.
Global support arrives for Colombia after quake
The seismic shock was noticed in neighboring nations, including several regions of Venezuela, the Ecuadorian capital Quito and several provinces of Panama.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced that the European Union has made the Copernicus satellite observation system available to assist in rescue operations.
Full coverage: Latest News (EN)
The United States offered aid of 15.5 million dollars (equivalent to R$79 million) to support the humanitarian and emergency response.
Israel, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and El Salvador also demonstrated, offering support to the country. In a statement, Itamaraty confirmed that it is following the search and assistance efforts, declaring itself ready to cooperate with the Colombian authorities.