Colombian officials are urgently searching for survivors following a strong earthquake that struck on Monday. So far, 224 deaths have been confirmed, with the number expected to rise over time.
On Tuesday, 11 Aug 2026 GMT+7, the search for survivors after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia entered its second day. At least 224 deaths have been confirmed so far, but the number is expected to increase as the search continues.
The earthquake caused heavy damage in several cities. In Cali, Valle del Cauca province, at least 85 people died. Numerous buildings collapsed, including the upper floors of a hospital's pediatric ward, forcing the evacuation of patients and the treatment of about 600 patients outdoors along the roadside.
In Pereira, the capital of Risaralda province, 66 people died. Many residential buildings collapsed, and the airport building also suffered severe damage.
In Choco province, near the earthquake's epicenter, 13 people died. Meanwhile, Manizales, the capital of Caldas province, reported at least 3 deaths. The tower of its historic cathedral was damaged.
Rescue teams, police, soldiers, and volunteers worked through the night digging through building debris, sometimes by hand, to hasten the search for survivors trapped under the rubble.
Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella ordered 1,000 security personnel deployed in Cali to control the situation following reports of looting. Curfews were also imposed in Cali and Pereira.
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Source:cna