Mexico searches for missing nationals after Colombia earthquake

Following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Chocó, Colombia, on August 10, 2026, authorities have reported 285 deaths and 379 missing persons. The Mexican Embassy in Colombia has confirmed that two Mexican nationals, who were located at the Pereira Mayor's Office, remain missing.

The Mexican government is coordinating search efforts through the Colombian Red Cross and has established a high-level contact with the Mayor of Pereira to prioritize the search. While President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the dispatch of humanitarian aid, Mexican military rescue brigades were reportedly not permitted entry by Colombian authorities due to a lack of specific certification. However, the volunteer group ‘Topos Azteca’ is currently active in rescue operations on the ground.

The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is maintaining communication with the families of the missing and has activated a network to validate information from hospitals and local centers.