started · updated
Colombia earthquake leaves 294 dead and 320 missing FAST-MOVING
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in Colombia on August 10, 2026, causing widespread devastation across 15 departments and 448 municipalities. According to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), the death toll has risen to 294, with 320 people still missing and 3,935 reported injured. The disaster has affected over 115,000 people and 54,008 families.
Infrastructure damage is extensive, with 14,493 homes destroyed and over 81,000 others damaged. Significant structural collapses occurred in Cali and Pereira, including 66 buildings. The quake also impacted 241 health centers, 2,612 schools, and critical transport networks, including roads, bridges, and five airports.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national disaster and an economic emergency, establishing the Miracle Fund for reconstruction. International aid is flowing into the country, with the United States increasing its assistance to US$ 26.5 million, and the World Bank announcing US$ 200 million to address the emergency. Rescue operations continue, though officials note that hopes of finding survivors are dwindling as efforts shift toward body recovery and debris clearance.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Cali · Chocó · Colombia · National Unit for Disaster Risk Management · San José del Palmar · Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres · World Bank
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] 3,935 people were injured. www.datoposta.com · desdepuebla.com · primicia.com.ve · ultimasnoticias.com.ve · www.dunya.com
- [● 12 SOURCES] The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4. wdez.com · jack1065.com · www.perthnow.com.au · desdepuebla.com · www.marquesina.mx · +6 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster and economic emergency. desdepuebla.com · www.dunya.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] 14,493 homes were destroyed. www.datoposta.com · desdepuebla.com · primicia.com.ve · ultimasnoticias.com.ve · www.cubaheadlines.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The earthquake had an epicenter in San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department. desdepuebla.com · www.marquesina.mx · ultimasnoticias.com.ve · www.dunya.com · slovenskenovice.delo.si
- [● 7 SOURCES] 320 people remain missing. www.datoposta.com · desdepuebla.com · primicia.com.ve · ultimasnoticias.com.ve · www.dunya.com · +2 more
- [DISPUTED] The death toll from the earthquake in Colombia has risen to 294. noticias.uol.com.br · rr.pt · www.datoposta.com · desdepuebla.com · primicia.com.ve · +4 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] 115,461 people have been affected. www.datoposta.com · desdepuebla.com · primicia.com.ve · ultimasnoticias.com.ve · www.dunya.com · +2 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The epicenter was located in the municipality of San José del Palmar. rr.pt · www.cubaheadlines.com · www.marquesina.mx · desdepuebla.com · ultimasnoticias.com.ve · +2 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] The number of missing persons has increased to 320. rr.pt · www.datoposta.com · www.cubaheadlines.com · desdepuebla.com · www.diariodelsur.com.co · +5 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The US government increased its assistance to US$ 26.5 million. noticias.uol.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The World Bank announced US$ 200 million to address the emergency. noticias.uol.com.br