Earthquake in Colombia: death toll rises to 281, while search for survivors loses momentum
The death toll from the earthquake that hit Colombia on August 10, 2026 was updated to 281 people.
According to government information published on the night of August 13, 2026, more than 3,900 individuals were injured, and the number of missing reached 379.
More on this story: Colombia: woman rescued alive from earthquake rubble after 35 hours
On the fifth day of search operations, on August 14, 2026, the chances of locating more survivors are considered slim. In the city of Cali, Colombia’s third largest, relief teams are focusing on removing debris, moving away from active rescue tasks in most areas.
Learn more: Victims of earthquake in Colombia: balance raises deaths to 273 and 377 are missing
“Unfortunately, we have reached a stage where the possibility of finding people alive is declining, but our obligation is to continue the search and locate all those who have been reported missing,” said David Tamayo, leader of Colombia’s National Disaster Risk Management Unit.
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The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.4, represents the most intense event recorded in Colombia in the last decade, highlighting the severity of the scenario. With its epicenter in the Chocó region, located in the west of the country and close to the Pacific coast, the earthquake caused deaths and great destruction in states such as Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Quindío and Caldas.
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Members of the Colombian Army are involved in relief and recovery operations in the most impacted locations, which include Cali, Pereira and Manizales.
On August 12, 2026, the Colombian government proclaimed a state of national disaster, a measure that will be valid for 12 months and covers several regions, including Antioquia, Caldas, Cauca, Chocó, Quindío, Cundinamarca, Risaralda, Huila, Valle del Cauca, Tolima, Putumayo and Norte de Santander.
More on this story: Airports in Colombia suffer from 7.4 earthquake that suspends flights and leaves people dead
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Union, announced the release of aid worth two million euros, equivalent to approximately R$11.9 million, intended to finance rescue actions in Colombian territory.
