Event
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 181 people and injuring nearly 2,600. President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of emergency as rescue teams search for survivors in Cali, Pereira, and Manizales, where buildings have collapsed and over 1,100 homes destroyed. The US has pledged $15.5m in aid, while international support has been offered by Spain, Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador, and Venezuela.
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President Abelardo de la Espriella activates emergency protocols as rescue operations intensify in Cali, Pereira, and Manizales following one of the region’s most significant seismic events in recent decades.
Background
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, centred near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, approximately 400km west of Bogota. The tremor, recorded at a depth of 107km by the US Geological Survey, is considered one of the country’s most significant seismic events in recent decades. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency, triggering rescue operations in Cali, Pereira, and Manizales. The disaster has resulted in at least 181 confirmed deaths, nearly 2,600 injuries, and the destruction of over 1,100 homes. International support has been mobilised, including a $15.5m aid pledge from the United States and offers of assistance from Spain, Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador, and Venezuela.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, centred near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, approximately 400km west of Bogota. The tremor, recorded at a depth of 107km by the US Geological Survey, is considered one of the country’s most significant seismi
Fact cards
Key entities: Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Donald Trump, UN, Spain.
BBC World | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20dqd9qwq4o | published 2026-08-11T19:09:52.000Z | primary source | BBC World | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20e360lx0vo | published 2026-08-11T01:59:40.000Z | primary source
Monday (approximate): Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes western Colombia, centred near San Jose del Palmar. Monday (evening): President Abelardo de la Espriella declares a state of emergency; rescue teams deploy to Cali, Pereira, and Manizales. Tuesday: Over 70 aftershocks recorde
Timeline
Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes western Colombia, centred near San Jose del Palmar.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declares a state of emergency; rescue teams deploy to Cali, Pereira, and Manizales.
Over 70 aftershocks recorded, including two magnitude 3.6 tremors; curfew imposed in Calima and Cali from 20:00 to 06:00.
Death toll confirmed at 181 with nearly 2,600 injured; US pledges $15.5m in aid; Spain reports 164 citizens missing.