Updated: August 11, 2026
A powerful 7.4-magnitude Colombia Earthquake has devastated western Colombia, killing at least 164 people, as rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings for survivors.
The earthquake struck the country’s coffee-growing region early Monday and caused widespread damage in cities including Cali, Pereira and Manizales. Emergency workers are still working through the rubble, and authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as more damaged areas are reached.
Rescue operations continue across western Colombia
Rescue workers, soldiers, police officers and volunteers have been working around the clock to locate people trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Cali has suffered the highest number of reported deaths, with at least 85 people killed, according to the latest Reuters report. Pereira has reported another 66 deaths, while 13 deaths have been reported in Chocó, close to the earthquake’s epicenter.
Several buildings were destroyed or seriously damaged. A hospital in Cali was among the structures affected, forcing hundreds of patients to receive care outside after parts of the facility collapsed.
Hundreds injured after powerful colombia earthquake
The earthquake has also left hundreds of people injured, putting additional pressure on hospitals and emergency services.
Authorities are continuing to assess damage to buildings and infrastructure while rescue crews focus on areas where people may still be trapped.
The disaster has created difficult conditions for emergency teams, particularly in areas where communications and access have been disrupted. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/colombia-earthquake-news-live-updates-death-toll-buildings-collapsed-7-4-magnitude-latest-updates/liveblog/133118642.cms
Security measures introduced in affected cities
The Colombian government has also introduced additional security measures following reports of concerns about looting in some affected areas.
President Abelardo De La Espriella announced the deployment of 1,000 security personnel to Cali, while curfews were imposed in affected cities.
Authorities are simultaneously working to provide emergency assistance, medical treatment and shelter to residents whose homes have been damaged.
Colombia faces a major humanitarian emergency
The scale of the destruction has left communities across western Colombia facing a difficult recovery.
The earthquake is being described as the country’s most powerful earthquake in decades, with major damage reported across the coffee-growing region. The disaster has also brought back memories of the devastating 1999 earthquake that affected the same general region.
For families still waiting for news of relatives, the immediate priority remains the search and rescue operation.
Emergency teams are continuing to clear rubble and inspect damaged buildings as authorities work to establish the full extent of the disaster.
Death toll could rise further
The current death toll stands at at least 164, but officials expect the figure could increase as rescue workers reach more affected locations.
For now, rescue operations remain the main focus, with emergency personnel searching for survivors while hospitals and local authorities deal with the large number of injured and displaced residents.
This is a developing story. This article will be updated as more information becomes available from Colombian authorities and reliable news agencies.
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