started · updated
Colombia earthquake kills hundreds and triggers national disaster declaration FAST-MOVING
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, with its epicenter in the Chocó department near San José del Palmar. The disaster has caused widespread devastation, with death tolls reported by various sources ranging from 181 to over 250 people. Thousands remain missing, and more than 1,600 buildings have been damaged or collapsed.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of national disaster and three days of national mourning. The government has mobilized the military and police to assist in search and rescue operations, which are ongoing in heavily hit cities such as Cali, Pereira, and Manizales. Infrastructure has been severely impacted, including the Matecaña International Airport in Pereira, which remains closed to commercial flights.
International aid is arriving to support recovery efforts. The United States has deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team, and the European Union has pledged 2 million euros. Mexico has offered humanitarian supplies and rescue troops, while the Vatican, through Pope Leo XIV, has provided an initial donation of 100,000 euros and offered prayers for the victims.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Aerocivil · Aeronáutica Civil · Asocapitales · Cali · Chocó · Claudia Sheinbaum · Colombia · Donald Trump · El Salvador · Elsa Noguera · European Union
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] More than 600 people were injured in the earthquake. elcorresponsalweb.com.ar · ewtn.de · www.topky.sk
- [● 8 SOURCES] The EU activated its consular assistance mechanism for affected EU citizens. www.topky.sk
- [● 8 SOURCES] The EU has mobilized its Copernicus satellite service to support rescue operations. www.topky.sk
- [● 7 SOURCES] The European Commission is cooperating with the German Red Cross on the ground. www.topky.sk
- [● 8 SOURCES] The European Union allocated 100,000 euros in initial emergency aid to Colombia. www.topky.sk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The earthquake resulted in at least 224 deaths. www.topky.sk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The earthquake caused 165 buildings to collapse. www.topky.sk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The United States has pledged 15.5 million dollars in support. www.topky.sk
- [● 4 SOURCES] The airports in Cali, Quibdó, and Armenia have resumed operations.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] LATAM set fare caps for flights to Cali, Armenia, and Pereira.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There are over 2.2 million insured properties in Colombia against earthquakes.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] LATAM cancelled 49 flights affecting approximately 7,657 passengers.