Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 265; UN, India mobilise relief
Synopsis
Colombia's earthquake death toll has surged to 265, with nearly 500 still missing and 53,000 affected. The UN is fast-tracking a CERF allocation and preparing a formal relief appeal, while President de la Espriella moves to declare an economic emergency. India has also signalled readiness to assist — a rare bilateral gesture in a Latin American crisis.
Key Takeaways
265 people have died in the Colombia earthquake , with 3,494 injured and 496 still missing as of 13 August .
More than 53,000 people have been affected; widespread damage to homes and public infrastructure reported.
OCHA , WFP , and WHO are coordinating relief — food and medical supplies are being dispatched.
A UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocation is being processed; a formal UN relief appeal is pending damage assessment.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella plans to declare a state of economic emergency to fast-track aid.
External Affairs Minister S.
Jaishankar offered India's condolences and assistance on 11 August .
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its humanitarian partners are actively supporting the government-led disaster response following a devastating earthquake in Colombia, the agency confirmed on 13 August. The death toll has climbed to 265, with 3,494 people injured and 496 still unaccounted for, according to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.
Scale of the Disaster
More than 53,000 people have been affected by the earthquake, which struck on Monday, 11 August. Widespread destruction of homes and public infrastructure has been confirmed, with communications, transport links, and essential public services severely disrupted — particularly in the hardest-hit areas. Humanitarian teams are conducting ongoing assessments to determine the full extent of damage.
Relief Priorities and UN Response
Emergency shelter, food assistance, access to safe drinking water, and healthcare are among the most urgent needs identified by relief coordinators. The World Food Programme (WFP) is dispatching food supplies to affected communities, while the World Health Organization (WHO) is releasing medical supplies from its in-country warehouses. OCHA and its partners are also mobilising additional resources to scale up operations.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said on Wednesday that an allocation from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is being processed. Haq added that the United Nations will launch a formal relief appeal for Colombia once a clearer picture of damage and needs emerges, noting that requirements are expected to be 'very severe.'
Colombia Declares Economic Emergency
President de la Espriella announced plans to declare a state of economic emergency to accelerate assistance to survivors. He said the government's immediate focus remains on search-and-rescue operations for the 496 people still missing. The declaration, once formalised, is expected to unlock faster procurement and deployment of relief resources.
India Extends Condolences, Offers Assistance
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended India's condolences to his Colombian counterpart, Omar Bula Escobar, on 11 August. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote: '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.'
The response underscores India's broader diplomatic posture of proactive outreach during international humanitarian crises. As the UN prepares its formal appeal and Colombia mobilises emergency powers, the scale of relief required is expected to grow significantly in the coming days.
Point of View
But the window for saving lives is measured in hours. Colombia's decision to declare an economic emergency is the right instinct, but the real test will be whether that legal instrument translates into faster boots on the ground rather than faster paperwork. India's offer of assistance, made bilaterally and publicly via X, is worth noting — it reflects a deliberate effort to project humanitarian reach beyond South Asia, even if the offer's operational specifics remain unannounced.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current death toll from the Colombia earthquake?
As of 13 August , the death toll from the Colombia earthquake stands at 265 , with 3,494 people injured and 496 still missing. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed the figures on Wednesday.
What relief is the United Nations providing to Colombia?
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its partners are coordinating the international response. The World Food Programme is sending food supplies and the World Health Organization is dispatching medical supplies from in-country warehouses. A CERF allocation is also being processed.
Why is Colombia declaring a state of economic emergency?
President de la Espriella announced the declaration to accelerate government assistance to the more than 53,000 people affected by the earthquake. The emergency status is expected to streamline procurement and deployment of relief resources.
When will the UN launch a formal relief appeal for Colombia?
The UN will launch a formal relief appeal once humanitarian assessments establish the full extent of damage and needs. Deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq indicated on Wednesday that needs are expected to be 'very severe.'
How has India responded to the Colombia earthquake?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended India's condolences to Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar on 11 August and stated that India stands ready to extend all possible assistance. The message was shared publicly on social media platform X.
