Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Colombia Earthquake Kills 132; Rescuers Search for Survivors
A very big earthquake shook the country of Colombia in South America.
The ground moved so strongly that many buildings fell down.
Sadly, at least 132 people died and around 570 people were hurt.
It was the strongest earthquake Colombia has experienced in this century.
After the big shake, there were 21 smaller shakes called aftershocks.
Many homes, schools, and hospitals were damaged, so the president said the country was in an emergency.
Rescue workers are working very hard to find people who may be trapped under the fallen buildings.
In one city, a tiny baby and her mother were carefully pulled out from under the rubble.
People in Colombia are helping one another and hope to find more survivors.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 132 people and injuring about 570 others.
Colombia's Geological Service said it was the country's strongest earthquake this century, followed by 21 aftershocks.
President Abelardo De La Espriella, who took office just days before the quake, declared an emergency to speed up recovery funding.
Officials reported at least 61 buildings completely collapsed, with damage to 1,575 homes, 18 health centers, and 52 schools.
Rescue crews and residents are searching for survivors; a six-month-old girl and her mother were rescued from rubble in Cali.
- Who
- President Abelardo De La Espriella, rescue crews, residents, and seismologist Suzan van der Lee.
- What
- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 132 people and injured about 570, collapsing buildings and damaging homes, schools, and health centers across several cities.
- When
- A quake reported on Monday, days after President Abelardo De La Espriella took office.
- Where
- Western Colombia, with damage in Pereira, Manizales, and Cali; the epicenter was near the Pacific/Choco region.
- Why
- The quake occurred along the Ring of Fire, the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean, and its powerful magnitude, inland location, and strike-slip motion may have amplified the damage.
- Magnitude
- 7.4
- Deaths
- At least 132
- Injured
- Around 570
- Aftershocks
- 21
- Buildings collapsed
- At least 61
- Homes damaged
- 1,575
- Schools damaged
- 52
- Health centers damaged
- 18