Rescue crews across western Colombia are continuing to search collapsed buildings for survivors after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country on Monday, August 10, 2026.

The earthquake caused widespread destruction across parts of western Colombia, with hundreds of people confirmed dead, thousands injured and hundreds still reported missing. Rescue workers have been searching through unstable structures and piles of rubble as authorities work to locate survivors and recover victims.

As of Wednesday, August 12, Reuters reported 265 confirmed deaths, nearly 500 people missing and more than 3,770 injuries. More than 9,550 homes were reported destroyed. The figures remain subject to change as rescue and recovery operations continue.

At a Glance

  • Country: Colombia
  • Magnitude: 7.4
  • Date: August 10, 2026
  • Epicenter: Near San José del Palmar, Chocó
  • Hard-hit areas: Pereira, Cali, Manizales, Quibdó and surrounding communities
  • Confirmed deaths: 265, according to the latest Reuters report
  • Missing: Nearly 500
  • Injured: More than 3,770
  • Emergency response: Search-and-rescue operations ongoing

Latest Colombia Earthquake Developments

The rescue operation has become a race against time as emergency crews continue working through collapsed structures.

Search teams have been deployed to some of the hardest-hit communities, while authorities are also assessing damaged roads, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure.

Reuters reported that rescuers remained focused on finding survivors during the critical 72-hour period following the earthquake. Crews have been working around unstable buildings and aftershock risks while authorities attempt to coordinate access to damaged areas.

One of the most remarkable rescue operations involved a woman who was found alive approximately 38 hours after the earthquake. Rescuers spent hours freeing her from debris after locating her beneath a collapsed building in Pereira.

Where Did the Colombia Earthquake Strike?

The earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó Department.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake was felt across a large portion of Colombia, while serious damage was reported in western cities and communities including Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdó.

The earthquake occurred at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time on August 10, according to reports. Its considerable depth helped reduce the potential impact in some areas, but the strength of the earthquake still caused widespread structural damage.

Cities Face Heavy Damage

Pereira has been among the communities reporting significant casualties and structural destruction.

In Cali, rescue teams have searched damaged buildings while hospitals have treated large numbers of injured residents. The city has also been dealing with extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Manizales and Quibdó have also reported significant impacts from the earthquake.

Damage to roads and other transportation infrastructure has complicated efforts to reach some communities, while damaged hospitals and other essential facilities have increased pressure on emergency services.

Colombia Earthquake Death Toll

The death toll has risen sharply as emergency crews gain access to damaged areas.

Reuters reported on August 12 that 265 people had been confirmed dead, with nearly 500 people still missing and more than 3,770 injured. More than 9,550 homes were reported destroyed.

The casualty figures are expected to remain fluid while rescue teams continue searching collapsed structures and authorities reconcile reports from different affected communities.

Search for Survivors Continues

Rescue crews are working under difficult and dangerous conditions.

Heavy concrete slabs and other debris must be removed carefully to prevent further collapses. Specialized search teams are using equipment and trained personnel to locate people who may still be trapped.

The rescue effort is also being complicated by the risk of aftershocks and unstable structures.

The survival of people found alive after long periods beneath rubble has given rescuers hope that additional survivors may still be located.

Government Response

The Colombian government has mobilized emergency personnel and resources to affected communities.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who had taken office only days before the earthquake, has pledged a reconstruction fund to help rebuild homes, hospitals, schools and damaged infrastructure.

International assistance has also begun reaching Colombia, with teams from countries including Mexico and Peru participating in the response.

Authorities are simultaneously working to provide shelter and assistance to people whose homes were destroyed.

What Happens Next?

Search-and-rescue operations remain the immediate priority as emergency crews continue checking collapsed buildings for survivors and recovering victims.

Authorities will also need to assess damaged structures, restore transportation networks, repair hospitals and schools and provide temporary housing for displaced families.

The final human and economic cost of the earthquake is expected to become clearer as rescue operations transition into recovery.

For people searching for Colombia earthquake, Colombia earthquake today, Colombia earthquake death toll or Colombia earthquake rescue efforts, the central development remains the continuing search for survivors after the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake of August 10.