Rescue teams in Colombia intensify work on August 11, 2026, as the country enters the second day of searching for survivors of a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake. The earthquake, recorded on August 10, 2026, has already resulted in more than 220 deaths and left hundreds injured, in addition to vast material destruction.
President Abelardo de la Espriella established an “emergency situation” throughout the national territory. He assured that all government resources were mobilized to assist the affected communities and direct aid to the areas most in need.
The earthquake, considered the strongest to hit Colombia this century, was recorded at 9:34 am (Brasília time) on August 10, 2026. Information from Colombian and American geological services indicate that the epicenter was located near San José del Palmar, in the western portion of the country.
On the same topic: Update on the earthquake in Colombia: 254 dead and 3,000 missing in updated report
Immediately after the earthquake, large urban centers in the affected area were the scene of scenes of widespread panic. Thousands of residents were evacuated from their homes, while several buildings collapsed or suffered serious structural damage.
Hospital collapse scenario and circulation restrictions after the earthquake
In the city of Cali, one of the hardest hit places, local authorities confirmed the destruction of at least 20 buildings, with several people still trapped under the rubble. The largest public hospital in the metropolis suffered the loss of around 70% of its infrastructure.
Andrés Felipe Mejía, a volunteer rescuer in Cali, reported the intense mobilization: “We are carrying out all the necessary work to get people out alive. Many people came, with equipment, food, helping the firefighters, helping people.”
In Pereira, capital of the department of Risaralda, Mayor Mauricio Salazar described the situation as “critical”, with a large number of injured people and individuals “trapped amid the rubble”. In the nearby city of Manizales, one of the cathedral’s towers was damaged and partially detached.
Jaime Zuluaga, a 50-year-old administrator, described the scenario: “There are a lot of buildings with structural damage or damage to their facades. Right now, traffic is collapsed, people don’t want to go back to their homes for fear of another tremor.”
More on this story: 7.4 earthquake hits Colombia and leaves 132 dead; missing people mobilize search
In the capital Bogotá, sirens sounded as buildings were evacuated and hundreds of citizens took to the streets. Mayor Carlos Galán reported that, so far, only superficial cracks in some homes and buildings have been reported in the city.
The Espriella government mobilized soldiers and military engineers from the Colombian Army, who were sent to five of the worst-hit states. The action aims to reinforce rescue work and humanitarian support.
Remembering the 1999 tragedy and international solidarity
The current earthquake rekindles memories of the 1999 catastrophe, when a similar shock killed approximately 1,200 people in Colombia’s important coffee growing region.
Learn more: After 7.4 magnitude earthquake, Colombia faces hospital collapse and curfew
The impact of the earthquake was also noted in neighboring nations, including Quito, the capital of Ecuador, in several provinces in Panama, and in certain areas of Venezuela and Brazil.
Heads of state from countries such as Mexico, Chile and El Salvador expressed support and offered assistance to Colombia. Israel also made aid available, coinciding with the recent resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Learn more: Woman rescued alive after 35 hours under earthquake rubble in Colombia
European Union President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the bloc has activated its Copernicus satellite service to assist with complex rescue operations.
Singer Shakira, originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, also spoke about the event. She published a message on her social network, stating: “My heart is (…) with the families who are going through moments of anguish.”
The sporting calendar has also undergone changes, with the postponement of football matches scheduled for this week, including two games in Colombia valid for the Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana.