Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Hundreds missing, rescuers race for trapped survivors after Colombia earthquake
On Monday morning, a very big earthquake shook western Colombia.
The ground shook so hard that buildings fell down in cities like Cali and Pereira.
Hundreds of people died, and nearly 400 people are still missing.
Rescue workers are digging through broken concrete and bricks to look for anyone still alive.
On Friday, they were racing to free people trapped inside a collapsed hotel in Pereira.
The quake destroyed more than 12,500 homes, so many families are sleeping in shelters.
Smaller shakes called aftershocks keep happening and make the work dangerous.
Helpers from other countries, including rescue workers from Venezuela, joined the effort.
The new president of Colombia promised to make a special fund to rebuild homes, schools and hospitals.
Families are waiting and hoping for news about their missing loved ones.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, with its epicenter in San Jose del Palmar, Choco, toppling apartment blocks and damaging homes, schools and hospitals.
Authorities reported at least 285 people killed (287 per one report) and nearly 4,000 injured on Friday, with nearly 400 people still missing.
Rescuers raced Friday to free people trapped beneath a collapsed hotel in Pereira, a rare sign of hope nearly four days after the quake.
More than 150 aftershocks have been recorded since Monday, and the government said tens of thousands of homes were damaged, with more than 12,500 destroyed.
Newly inaugurated President Abelardo De La Espriella pledged to declare an economic emergency, create a reconstruction fund, and rebuild regardless of political or ideological alignment.
- Who
- Residents of western Colombia, rescue workers (including Venezuelan teams), and newly inaugurated President Abelardo De La Espriella
- What
- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 285 people (287 per one report), injured nearly 4,000 and left nearly 400 missing
- When
- Monday shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time; rescue efforts continued through Friday, August 14
- Where
- Western Colombia, from Buenaventura to Cali and Pereira; epicenter in San Jose del Palmar, Choco
- Why
- The powerful quake toppled buildings and damaged homes, schools and hospitals, prompting a massive rescue and reconstruction effort
Critics and aid groups
Colombian Government
Handling of foreign assistance
Critics and aid groups
Critics have raised concerns over the government's handling of foreign assistance offers for the earthquake response.
Colombian Government
Colombian officials say the government has not rejected any country's offer but will only accept international search-and-rescue teams that meet recognized certification standards.
Response in smaller towns
Critics and aid groups
Rescue groups and the International Rescue Committee say smaller towns and communities, such as parts of Buenaventura, received little or no response, with some areas unreached until Wednesday night and locals digging through rubble with bare hands.
Colombian Government
President De La Espriella said reconstruction would happen regardless of political or ideological alignment and planned flying visits to five affected cities, promising relief and investment for long-neglected communities.
- Magnitude
- 7.4
- Date
- Monday, shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time
- Epicenter
- San Jose del Palmar, Choco department
- Death toll
- At least 285 as of Friday (287 per one report)
- Injured
- Nearly 4,000
- Missing
- Nearly 400 (377 as of Thursday)
- Aftershocks
- More than 150 since Monday
- Homes affected
- Tens of thousands damaged; more than 12,500 destroyed