Colombia earthquake death toll 132: EAM Jaishankar offers condolences
Synopsis
A magnitude-7.4 earthquake has killed at least 132 people in western Colombia, prompting India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to offer condolences and assistance. With 570+ injured, 1,575 homes damaged, and six airports shut, Colombia's President has declared a national disaster and taken personal charge of relief operations.
Key Takeaways
EAM S Jaishankar extended condolences to Colombia's Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar on 11 August and offered India's assistance.
A magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck near San Jose del Palmar, Choco at 7:34 am local time on Monday at a depth of 96 km .
At least 132 people have been killed and more than 570 injured, according to the Colombian government's latest update.
The quake damaged 1,575 homes and disrupted operations at six airports , with commercial flights suspended.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of national disaster and set up a Unified Command Post at the UNGRD to lead relief efforts.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday, 11 August conveyed India's condolences to Omar Bula Escobar, Colombia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, following a devastating magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia, killing at least 132 people and injuring more than 570 others. India also offered to extend all possible assistance to the affected nation.
Jaishankar's Message to Colombia
'Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and the destruction caused by the earthquake in Colombia. Extend heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Also pray for the swift recovery to those injured. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance,' Jaishankar wrote on X.
Scale of the Disaster
The earthquake struck at 7:34 am local time on Monday, with its epicentre near San Jose del Palmar in the department of Choco, at a depth of 96 km, according to the Colombian Geological Service. The quake damaged 1,575 homes and caused infrastructure damage at six airports, where commercial flight operations have since been suspended.
Government's Emergency Response
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of national disaster on Monday and personally assumed leadership of the emergency response in San Jose del Palmar. He ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post at the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) to coordinate relief and damage assessment efforts.
'I will also be personally in Pereira to accompany the affected people and verify the Government's response. You are not alone. The State is present and acting,' President Espriella wrote on X.
Relief Coordination Under Way
Authorities are maintaining close contact with officials in affected departments and coordinating with local mayors to assess damage and identify the most urgent relief needs. The UNGRD Director has been asked to submit a detailed situational report. This comes amid ongoing efforts to restore connectivity to areas cut off by the disaster, with airport suspensions compounding logistical challenges for relief operations.
Point of View
The Colombia earthquake underscores the seismic vulnerability of the South American Pacific coast, a region that has seen repeated high-magnitude events. For a death toll that crossed 132 within 24 hours — with rescue operations still under way — the final numbers could climb significantly.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did EAM Jaishankar say about the Colombia earthquake?
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction caused by the earthquake in Colombia. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to affected families, prayed for the swift recovery of the injured, and stated that India stands ready to extend all possible assistance.
How severe was the earthquake that struck Colombia?
The earthquake measured magnitude 7.4 and struck near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco department of western Colombia at 7:34 am local time on Monday, at a depth of 96 km. It killed at least 132 people, injured more than 570, damaged 1,575 homes, and disrupted operations at six airports.
What emergency measures has the Colombian government taken?
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of national disaster and established a Unified Command Post at the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) to coordinate relief. He also personally travelled to the epicentre region and planned to visit Pereira to oversee the government's response.
Who did Jaishankar address his condolences to?
Jaishankar directed his condolences to Omar Bula Escobar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia. He also posted his message on X, publicly reaffirming India's solidarity with Colombia.
What is the current status of airports in the affected region?
Commercial flight operations have been suspended at six airports that suffered infrastructure damage from the earthquake, according to the Colombian government. This is compounding logistical challenges for relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.
