A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday near San José del Palmar, killing at least 111 people and injuring 87 in initial official counts while later reports raised the toll and injuries in multiple cities.
The event mattered because it produced widespread structural collapse across major urban centers and disrupted transport and health services, prompting a national emergency response. The tremor was the strongest in Colombia in a decade and was felt across regions including the Coffee-Growers’ Axis and the Pacific coast, with aftershocks complicating rescue operations and assessments.
Casualties and rescue
The disaster produced significant human losses and continuing search-and-rescue efforts. Initial statements identified at least 111 dead and 87 injured, figures later supplemented by other reports indicating the toll had risen; some local sources cited up to 132 dead and more than 570 injured as emergency activity continued. Rescue teams worked to extract survivors from collapsed structures in Pereira and Cali where multiple buildings fell and people remained trapped beneath rubble. Local authorities warned of continuing aftershocks and urged residents not to re-enter unsafe structures while teams prioritized life-saving searches.
Damage to buildings and infrastructure
The earthquake caused extensive damage to homes, public buildings and transport hubs. Officials reported the collapse of at least 61 buildings in early assessments, with sector damage estimates including more than 1,600 homes affected. In Cali at least 20 buildings collapsed and rescues continued in one building where 15 people were believed trapped. Reports around Pereira varied, with municipal officials first noting around 15 collapsed buildings and subsequent tallies indicating significantly higher counts in some districts. Airports in ArmeniaCaliManizalesPereiraQuibdóBuenaventura and Cartago suspended operations, complicating medical evacuations and the delivery of aid.
Government coordination and international response
The national executive declared a state of emergency and established a Unified Command Post to coordinate rescue and relief activities. The President identified as Abelardo de la Espriella, pledged to visit Pereira and other affected cities to oversee operations and asked for rapid assessments of urgent needs. He stated on social media, “You are not alone. The State is present and acting,” signaling a centralized response. The Colombian Geological Survey and the United States Geological Survey confirmed the event’s magnitude and monitored aftershocks to inform safety advisories.
International support was indicated, with the United States publicly expressing readiness to assist and a named official, Marco Rubio, noting close monitoring of the situation. National authorities mobilized the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management and local emergency services to prioritize hospitals, roads and health centers damaged by the tremor while assessing long-term recovery needs. Last update: 11 August 2026.
