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August 12, 2026

Anna Murray 

Colombia was struck by its strongest earthquake of the century at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time on August 10, 2026. The epicenter was located near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, close to Valle del Cauca.

Across large parts of the country, homes and other buildings collapsed, trapping residents beneath the rubble. Initial reports indicated that 61 structures had collapsed, 1,575 dwellings were damaged, and 37 were completely destroyed. Additionally, 52 educational facilities and 18 health centers reported damage. Search and rescue operations remain underway as the death toll continues to rise.

Reaching a magnitude of 7.4, this is the largest earthquake Colombia has experienced this century. Rescue operations have now entered what authorities describe as the "final phase." The tragic event has left 265 people dead, more than 3,500 injured, and over 500 missing.

Abelardo de la Espriella, Colombia's recently elected president, declared three days of national mourning and proclaimed a state of economic emergency. In an address to the nation, President de la Espriella vowed that Colombia would "emerge again as a country and as a society," promising to establish an emergency fund to rebuild damaged schools and hospitals.