The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10 continues to rise dramatically, reaching 329 victims. Rescue teams are fighting a 24-hour battle against time in an attempt to find survivors among the thousands of collapsed buildings.
The earthquake with magnitude 7.4, considered the most powerful seismic event in the country this century, caused widespread destruction in dozens of departments, including the major cities of Cali and Pereira. Authorities in Bogota, assisted by international teams, are searching for more than 370 people who are still officially missing. The earthquake left over 290,000 people homeless.
According to data from the National Disaster Risk Management Office (UNGRD), cited in reports on Reuters (reuters.com/world/earthquake-pacific-coast-shakes-colombian-capital-2026-08-10/) and local media, more than 29,000 residential buildings have been completely destroyed. The situation in remote rural areas of Choco province remains critical due to active landslides that have blocked main roads and hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid, drinking water and food.