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Colombia earthquake leaves nearly 290 dead and 185,000 affected FAST-MOVING
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck San José del Palmar, Chocó, on August 10, 2026, causing widespread devastation across western Colombia. The latest reports from the Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD) indicate the death toll has reached approximately 289 to 294 people, with 143 individuals still missing. The disaster has affected 15 departments and hundreds of municipalities, leaving over 185,000 people displaced or affected.
Infrastructure damage is extensive, with 66 buildings reported collapsed and over 127,000 homes damaged or destroyed. Significant impacts were noted in Cali and Pereira, where many deaths and structural failures occurred. The earthquake also damaged hundreds of roads, bridges, aqueducts, and essential services including 285 health centers and over 2,800 educational institutions.
In response to the crisis, President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national emergency and economic emergency. Humanitarian efforts are underway, including a 150 billion peso donation from the Gilinski family to rebuild hospitals and schools in Cali. Local authorities in cities like Pereira and Manizales are implementing rent subsidies to assist displaced families, while international rescue teams from countries including the US, Israel, and Argentina have joined local efforts.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Ana María Saavedra Caycedo · Cali · Colombia · Donald Trump · Imbanaco Clinic · Jaime Gilinski · María Elvira Building · Pereira · UNGRD · Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mayor Mauricio Salazar Peláez announced a monthly rent subsidy of $500,000 for three months for eligible families. www.eldiario.com.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] The earthquake occurred on August 10, 2026. www.eldiario.com.co
- [DISPUTED] The earthquake resulted in 94 deaths, 259 injuries, and over 140,000 people affected.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Affected families can register for aid through the SOS Pereira website. www.eldiario.com.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In Cali, more than 80,000 people are potentially affected by the disaster. www.merca2.es
- [● 2 SOURCES] President Abelardo de la Espriella requested a temporary suspension of tariffs from Donald Trump to assist the country. defimedia.info · www.tvn-2.com
- [DISPUTED] At least 100 people remain missing following the earthquake. defimedia.info · www.tvn-2.com
- [● 15 SOURCES] The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4. defimedia.info · www.tvn-2.com · www.eldiariodehoy.com · www.sdpnoticias.com · contrapodernews.com · +10 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Cali is the city most affected, with 111 recorded deaths. defimedia.info · www.tvn-2.com
- [DISPUTED] The death toll from the earthquake is approaching 300 people. www.merca2.es · defimedia.info · www.tvn-2.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Manizales Mayor's Office established a temporary rent subsidy of 357,000 pesos via Decree 0276. centrodeinformacion.manizales.gov.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Colombian Red Cross Caldas Section is responsible for delivering the rent subsidy. centrodeinformacion.manizales.gov.co