Terremoto en Colombia: Cifra se dispara a 289 muertos y 143 desaparecidos
Big Earthquake in Colombia: What Happened and How People Are Helping
What Happened?
Imagine the ground shaking so hard that buildings fall down and roads crack. That’s what happened in western Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026. A very strong earthquake—measured at magnitude 7.4—hit the region. The epicenter (the spot on the surface right above where the quake started) was near a town called San José del Palmar in the Chocó department (a department is like a state or province).
The shaking was felt in 15 different departments, including big cities like Cali (the capital of Valle del Cauca). Four days later, on Friday, August 14, rescuers were still digging through rubble (broken pieces of buildings) looking for survivors.
Photo: Rescuers hand out food packages to search teams and volunteers working in the rubble in Cali, Colombia, on Friday, August 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Iván Valencia)
The Numbers: Casualties and Damage
Colombian authorities have been counting the damage every day. Here’s the latest official picture (as of Saturday night, August 15):
- People who died: 289 (earlier reports said 294; the difference comes from daily updates from local towns).
- People still missing: 143 (earlier: 320).
- People injured: 3,937.
- People affected in some way (lost homes, water, power, etc.): Over 117,000.
- Homes completely destroyed: 14,705.
- Homes damaged but still standing: 81,536.
Identifying the victims:
The Institute of Legal Medicine has identified 279 of the people who died, including 21 children. 268 bodies have already been given back to their families for burial.
Why do the numbers change?
Local towns send in their counts each day. Sometimes a name appears on two lists, or a missing person is found safe. The national agency (UNGRD) puts all the lists together at the end of the day, so the totals can go up or down a little.
Search and Rescue: Still Looking for Survivors
Even after more than 120 hours (5 days), teams have not given up.
- In Cali, searchers are still looking for over 70 missing people.
- Cali’s mayor, Alejandro Eder, said: “Miracles exist.” He explained they are digging in spots where they know people might still be alive.
- In Quibdó (capital of Chocó), residents like Marisol Córdova are pleading for help while bulldozers clear debris. She told a local news channel: “Please relocate us—we have no houses to live in.”
Government Response
Colombia’s president, Abelardo de la Espriella, is facing one of the biggest tests of his new government. He has declared two special states:
- National Disaster – lets the government move money and people quickly.
- Economic Emergency – allows temporary new taxes to raise funds for rebuilding.
The money will go toward:
- Building new hospitals and schools
- Fixing roads and airports
- Constructing housing for those who lost everything
The vice president, José Manuel Restrepo, visited rural communities in Risaralda department on Saturday to promise support for both emergency aid and long-term reconstruction.
International Help Arrives
Colombia’s disaster agency (UNGRD) says the country can still handle the response on its own, but it has accepted specialized foreign teams that are certified by the United Nations. These teams work independently and bring extra skills.
| Country / Group | What They Sent |
|---|---|
| United States | Search-and-rescue experts, structural engineers, plus $26.5 million total in humanitarian aid (food, health, shelter, protection). |
| Israel | Engineering team guiding rubble removal at Cali’s University Hospital to reach trapped people and repair the building; also setting up a data system to help commanders make faster decisions. |
| Ecuador | Rescue brigades. |
| Mexico | Six planeloads of humanitarian supplies. |
| Paraguay | 50 tons of medicines, medical supplies, and other essentials. |
President de la Espriella personally thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump. He also asked the U.S. for temporary tariff relief (lower taxes on Colombian exports) to help the economy recover, but the U.S. response wasn’t specified.
Voices from the Ground
- Mayor Alejandro Eder (Cali): “We are working where we know victims are, with the hope of recovering people alive.”
- Marisol Córdova (Quibdó resident): “We ask to be relocated; we have no homes to live in.”
- UNGRD Director David Tamayo: “The emergency has not yet exceeded the country’s response capacity. The international teams we accepted are UN-accredited, autonomous, and can offer solutions.”
Important Points to Remember
Key Facts at a Glance
- Magnitude: 7.4 (very strong)
- Epicenter: San José del Palmar, Chocó
- Date: Monday, August 10, 2026
- Death toll (latest): 289
- Missing: 143
- Injured: 3,937
- Affected people: 117,000+
- Homes destroyed: 14,705
- Homes damaged: 81,536
- National disaster & economic emergency declared
- International aid from US, Israel, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay
- Search continues after 120+ hours
Summary
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, causing widespread destruction across 15 departments. As of August 15, 289 people have died, 143 are missing, and nearly 4,000 are injured. Over 117,000 people are affected, with 14,705 homes destroyed and 81,536 damaged. Rescue operations continue in cities like Cali and Quibdó, where hope remains for finding survivors. The Colombian government has declared a national disaster and economic emergency, enabling emergency funding and temporary taxes for reconstruction. International teams from the US, Israel, Ecuador, Mexico, and Paraguay are assisting with search-and-rescue, medical aid, engineering, and supplies. The situation remains serious, but coordinated local and global efforts are underway to save lives and rebuild.
FAQ
1. How strong was the earthquake?
It measured 7.4 on the magnitude scale. That’s considered a major earthquake—strong enough to cause severe damage over a large area.
2. How many people have died or are missing?
The latest official count (August 15) is 289 confirmed deaths and 143 people still missing. Numbers can change slightly as local reports are double-checked.
3. What is the Colombian government doing?
The president declared a National Disaster and an Economic Emergency. This lets the government:
- Spend emergency funds immediately
- Collect temporary taxes to pay for rebuilding hospitals, schools, roads, airports, and housing
- Coordinate all rescue and relief efforts nationally
4. Which countries are helping?
United States, Israel, Ecuador, Mexico, and Paraguay have sent rescue teams, engineers, medical supplies, food, and money. The U.S. alone has pledged $26.5 million in humanitarian aid.
5. Can I help from another country?
Yes. The best way is to donate money to reputable international aid organizations (like the Red Cross, UNICEF, or UN OCHA) that are already working in Colombia. Sending physical goods is often slower and harder to distribute.