Archive · 20 Aug 2026
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.
- When
- The earthquake occurred on August 10, and the emergency decree was signed on Wednesday, August 20.
- Where
- Fifteen departments in western Colombia, including Valle del Cauca, Risaralda and Caldas; residents were also sheltering in affected areas of Choco.
- Why
- To respond to the disaster, search for missing people, assist affected residents and rebuild damaged homes and essential infrastructure.
- 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
