1 week ago
Colombia Declares 30-Day Emergency After Deadly Earthquake
A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10.
It killed many people and injured thousands more.
Hundreds of people were still missing, and many families were living in tents or temporary shelters.
The president declared a special emergency lasting 30 days.
This gives the government extra powers to help with the disaster.
Officials plan to repair homes, businesses, schools and hospitals.
Colombian and international teams continued searching damaged buildings.
Reports gave two different numbers for people rescued: 364 and 358.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a 30-day economic, social and ecological emergency in 15 departments.
The August 10 earthquake killed 319 people, injured 4,469 and left 260 missing, according to official figures.
The disaster affected 476 municipalities and about 272,830 people across western Colombia.
Emergency measures will support rebuilding homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure.
Official reports cited different rescue totals, listing both 364 and 358 people rescued.
- Who
- Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, national authorities, and Colombian and international search-and-rescue teams.
- What
- A 30-day state of economic, social and ecological emergency was declared after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake.
- Where
- Fifteen departments in western Colombia, including Valle del Cauca, Risaralda and Caldas; residents were also sheltering in affected areas of Choco.
- When
- The earthquake occurred on August 10, and the emergency decree was signed on Wednesday, August 20.
- Why
- To respond to the disaster, search for missing people, assist affected residents and rebuild damaged homes and essential infrastructure.
Key facts
- Emergency duration
- 30 days
- Earthquake magnitude
- 7.4
- Deaths
- 319
- Injured
- 4,469
- Missing
- 260
- Affected population
- About 272,830 people
- International response
- More than 220 tonnes of humanitarian aid and 144 international specialists
Sources
Related news
Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Tops 250, President Declares Emergency
Colombia Quake Death Toll Rises to 111, State of Emergency
Colombia earthquake kills 132; US pledges $15.5 million aid
Colombia's strongest earthquake this century kills at least 132
Colombia earthquake: 224 dead, 3,000 missing, buildings damaged
Colombia Earthquake Kills Over 130 as Cali Hospital Collapses
Gossip Turns Information Into Money, Welfare, and Social Power
Miss Teen International 2026 Finalists Visit Taj Mahal In Agra
La Tomatina 2026 Brings World’s Largest Tomato Fight to Spain
Ambani succession plan faces scrutiny over Vantara wildlife sanctuary
US Military Strike on Caribbean Boat Kills Four
