A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has struck western Colombia, triggering a major disaster. Numerous buildings have collapsed in Cali and Pereira, while several airports have been damaged. Rescue teams are continuing to search for people trapped beneath the rubble. A total of 164 Spanish nationals are also currently unaccounted for.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Colombia is facing a major humanitarian challenge following one of the strongest earthquakes in decades. At 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the west of the country. According to the Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC), the epicentre was located in the department of Chocó, near San José del Palmar. The tremors were felt across large parts of Colombia as well as in neighbouring countries.
The death toll rose dramatically within just a few hours. According to the latest figures currently available, at least 224 people have been killed and around 900 injured. Meanwhile, people are still being reported missing. In Cali alone, authorities said that 188 people have so far been unable to be contacted. Rescue operations are therefore continuing as a matter of the highest priority.
The earthquake hit the western part of the country with full force
The earthquake struck on 10 August at 7:34 a.m. The epicentre was located in the department of Chocó, near the municipality of San José del Palmar. According to updated information from the Colombian Geological Service, the quake originated at a depth of around 103 kilometres.
With a magnitude of 7.4, the earthquake was an exceptionally powerful event. The tremors were felt far beyond the immediate vicinity of the epicentre, including in Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Medellín and Bogotá. Strong tremors were also reported in Ecuador and Panama.
In many cities, people left their homes fearing further tremors. Some hospitals had to be evacuated, while emergency crews secured roads and inspected damaged buildings.
Cali and Pereira among the worst-hit areas
Among the cities worst affected are Cali and Pereira.
In Cali, numerous buildings and other structures collapsed. Authorities reported severe structural damage and many people who could not initially be contacted following the earthquake. The city has become one of the main centres of the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Pereira was also severely affected. Numerous buildings there partially or completely collapsed. Initial estimates suggest that several thousand people were directly affected by damage to their homes and properties. Hospitals and other parts of the infrastructure were also damaged.
The situation is particularly critical in areas where people are still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams are therefore working around the clock in some locations. Every passing hour could determine whether those trapped can still be rescued alive.
More than 1,500 homes severely damaged
The scale of the destruction extends far beyond individual collapsed buildings. According to official figures, more than 1,500 homes have been severely damaged across several cities. Pereira, Cali and Manizales are among the worst affected.
Further damage has been reported to hospitals, roads, power and communications networks, as well as other public facilities. In some areas, rubble and damaged roads are making it difficult for rescue teams to gain access.
The situation is particularly challenging because the epicentre is located in a region that is difficult to access in some areas. Chocó is one of the most geographically challenging regions in Colombia. Damaged transport links and disruptions at several airports are further complicating the rapid delivery of aid.
At least six airports damaged
The aviation sector was also affected by the earthquake. Colombia’s civil aviation authority reported damage at least six airports, including those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura. Some facilities had to be temporarily closed or placed under restrictions while the safety of runways and airport buildings was assessed.
This poses a significant challenge to rescue operations. Remote areas of the department of Chocó are particularly reliant on air transport. When airports cannot be used, transporting rescue teams, medical supplies and humanitarian aid becomes considerably more difficult.
Hundreds of people remain missing
While the confirmed death toll continues to rise, it remains unclear how many people are still missing.
Authorities are paying particularly close attention to the situation in Cali, where 188 people have been reported missing or are currently unreachable. It is not yet known whether all of them are actually trapped beneath the rubble. Following major natural disasters, collapsed telephone networks or disrupted transport links can also leave people temporarily unable to make contact.
Nevertheless, rescue teams are focusing their efforts on buildings where people are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble. The search is being carried out using heavy equipment, sniffer dogs and specialised rescue teams.
Hope amid the rubble
Despite the devastating situation, there are still moments that give rescue workers hope. In Cali, a baby was rescued alive from the rubble. Such rescues show why search teams continue their work despite the challenging conditions.
At the same time, authorities are warning people not to enter damaged buildings on their own. Following major earthquakes, aftershocks can cause already weakened structures to collapse.
Dozens of aftershocks recorded
Numerous aftershocks were recorded following the main earthquake. By Monday evening, authorities had reported 47 aftershocks, the strongest measuring 4.8 in magnitude.
For the population, this represents an additional strain. Many people are spending the night outside their homes because they are afraid to return to damaged buildings.
Experts and authorities are therefore monitoring seismic activity continuously. It is not possible to reliably predict whether further, stronger aftershocks will occur.
No tsunami threat reported
Although the epicentre was located in western Colombia, not far from the Pacific coast, no tsunami threat was reported along Colombia’s Pacific coastline.
The greatest dangers at present are posed by damaged buildings, potential further collapses and the challenging conditions facing rescue teams.
Government declares a national state of emergency
The Colombian government responded immediately to the disaster and declared a national state of emergency.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, who has only recently taken office, personally took charge of coordinating the government’s response. A central crisis coordination centre, known as a Puesto de Mando Unificado, has been established to coordinate the efforts of the various authorities.
The government announced additional security forces and extensive state support for the affected regions. At the same time, emergency shelters and further assistance are being prepared for people whose homes are no longer habitable.
International aid begins to arrive
Colombia is now receiving support from abroad. The United States has pledged US$15.5 million in immediate disaster relief. The funds are intended to support emergency shelters, food supplies and damage assessments, among other needs. Other countries have also offered assistance and rescue teams.
The European Union has also activated its support mechanisms. Satellite data can help identify the worst-affected areas and disrupted transport routes more quickly.
Spain also watches Colombia with concern
For Spain, the disaster has an additional dimension. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said that 164 Spanish nationals in Colombia are currently unaccounted for. This does not necessarily mean that these people have been injured or killed. In many cases, they may simply have been unable to make contact with relatives or the authorities.
Spanish authorities are therefore working to gather information about those affected and re-establish contact with Spanish nationals living in or travelling through Colombia.
Colombia’s large community in Spain is also following the news with great concern. Many families are waiting for news from relatives in Cali, Pereira, Manizales and other affected areas.
A country in a state of emergency
The earthquake plunged Colombia into a national crisis within minutes. The western departments of Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas and Quindío have been particularly badly affected.
Alongside the human cost, the country is facing an enormous logistical challenge. Damaged buildings must be secured, people trapped beneath the rubble located, the injured treated and thousands of people provided with shelter. At the same time, roads, airports and other vital transport links must be inspected and restored.
Authorities also expect the casualty figures to change as rescue teams have yet to reach all damaged areas.
The crucial hours begin now
As the initial shock gradually gives way to a large-scale rescue and relief operation, all eyes are now on the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Every hour counts for emergency responders. At the same time, they must protect themselves from further collapses and aftershocks.
One thing is already clear: the earthquake of 10 August 2026 will leave a lasting mark on Colombia. At least 224 people have died so far, around 900 have been injured and many others are still missing. Entire neighbourhoods have been damaged, critical infrastructure has been affected and several airports have been temporarily taken out of service.
Rescue operations are continuing. And as long as people are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, hope remains that more survivors can be found.
