Colombia earthquake death toll climbs to 188, over 1,677 injured
Synopsis
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake has killed at least 188 people and injured over 1,677 across western Colombia, with Cali and Pereira bearing the heaviest losses. Six airports are shut, 1,575 homes are damaged, and a national disaster has been declared — with the toll still climbing as rescue teams work through the rubble.
Key Takeaways
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on 12 August , killing at least 188 people and injuring 1,677 .
Cali reported 95 deaths and 997 injuries ; Pereira reported 79 deaths and 278 injuries .
The epicentre was near San José del Palmar, Chocó , at a depth of 96 km , striking at 7:34 am local time .
The Colombian government declared a state of national disaster ; 1,575 homes damaged and flights suspended at six airports .
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed international solidarity.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday, 12 August has killed at least 188 people and injured 1,677 others, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales). The disaster has prompted a national emergency declaration and drawn an outpouring of international solidarity.
City-by-City Toll
The hardest-hit urban centre is Cali, which accounts for 95 deaths and 997 injuries from the total count. Pereira has reported 79 deaths and 278 injuries. Asocapitales said it is maintaining direct contact with mayors and local teams across affected departments to assess damage and identify the most urgent relief needs.
Scale of Destruction
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella earlier stated that the quake damaged 1,575 homes and caused structural damage at six airports, where commercial flight operations have been suspended. The Colombian government declared a state of national disaster on Monday to coordinate the emergency response.
According to the Colombian Geological Service, the earthquake struck at 7:34 am local time, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, at a depth of 96 km. The depth likely moderated surface shaking intensity, yet the magnitude was sufficient to cause widespread structural damage across multiple cities.
International Response
World leaders moved quickly to express solidarity. French President Emmanuel Macron posted a message on X, writing: 'In the face of the terrible earthquake that has struck Colombia, I extend, on behalf of France, my most sincere thoughts to the Colombian people. I think of the victims, their families, the injured, and all those who have been affected by this disaster. Our solidarity also goes to the rescue teams and all those who are working, with courage, to assist the affected populations. In this ordeal, Colombia can count on our friendship and our support.'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed solidarity and called on people around the world to support those affected by the disaster.
What Comes Next
Search-and-rescue operations remain active across the affected region. With the death toll still rising and thousands displaced or injured, the scale of humanitarian need is expected to grow in the coming days. The suspension of operations at six airports is complicating relief logistics, and authorities are working to restore access routes to the worst-affected zones.
Point of View
Yet the scale of casualties here — 188 dead from a single event — points to a chronic infrastructure deficit in cities like Cali and Pereira, where informal housing stock remains highly vulnerable. The suspension of six airports signals that the humanitarian response will face a logistics bottleneck at exactly the moment it cannot afford one. International solidarity statements are welcome, but the real test is whether aid commitments translate into on-ground capacity within the critical 72-hour window. The toll is almost certainly not final.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have died in the Colombia earthquake?
At least 188 people have been killed and 1,677 others injured following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on 12 August, according to Asocapitales. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
Where was the epicentre of the Colombia earthquake?
The Colombian Geological Service placed the epicentre near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, in western Colombia, at a depth of 96 km. The quake struck at 7:34 am local time on Monday, 12 August.
Which cities were worst affected by the earthquake?
Cali and Pereira were the hardest-hit cities. Cali reported 95 deaths and 997 injuries, while Pereira recorded 79 deaths and 278 injuries, together accounting for the bulk of the national casualty count.
What emergency measures has the Colombian government taken?
The Colombian government declared a state of national disaster on Monday. President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed that 1,575 homes were damaged and commercial flights were suspended at six airports to manage the crisis.
How has the international community responded to the Colombia earthquake?
French President Emmanuel Macron posted a message of condolence and solidarity on X, pledging France's friendship and support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed solidarity and called on the global community to support those affected.
