Colombia declares state of emergency after magnitude 7.4 earthquake

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake on August 10 has caused significant devastation in Colombia, resulting in approximately 240 deaths, 1,600 injuries, 222 people missing, and the collapse of 272 structures.

In response, the Colombian government has activated several legal and emergency measures. President Abelardo signed Decree 1171, declaring a national disaster and three days of national mourning. On August 13, the government declared a State of Economic, Social, and Ecological Emergency to establish the ‘Fondo Milagro’, a fund designed to channel national and international contributions toward reconstruction efforts.

Local authorities have also implemented emergency protocols. The Risaralda Governorate activated public calamity and manifest urgency, while the Cali Health Secretariat declared a hospital red alert to expand medical capacity, cancel non-urgent procedures, and manage the influx of injured patients.