Massive Colombia earthquake triggers frantic search for missing as death toll tops 100

Published 11 August 2026 · world

Search and rescue efforts were underway early on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) in dozens of cities and towns in western Colombia after a powerful earthquake

Search and rescue efforts were underway early on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) in dozens of cities and towns in western Colombia after a powerful earthquake struck the region, killing at least 111 people and leaving many trapped under the debris of damaged and destroyed buildings. Monday's 7.4 magnitude earthquake rattled Cali, Quibdo, Pereira and numerous other cities and towns. Around 1,600 buildings were reported damaged or collapsed. Soldiers, rescue personnel and families picked through the rubble, removing and passing large pieces of concrete by hand down lines of volunteers. President Abelardo de la Espriella said on Monday afternoon at least 111 people had died. Families posted information about missing loved ones on citizen-run websites. By Monday night, more than 2,700 people had been reported missing. Dana Carolina Zamora posted an image of her missing 60-year-old uncle, Miguel Ángel Zamora, cradling his dog.

The farmer was living in a rural area of El Cairo, not far from the epicenter of the quake in San Jose Del Palmar. Local authorities said 80% of El Cairo, a town of about 7,000 people, was damaged. Ms. Zamora said she worried because her uncle lived in a traditional but fragile house made of sticks and mud. “We are afraid. We hope that is not the case, that he is all right and that it is only a communication failure. But we haven’t heard anything from him,” Ms. Zamora said. Damage in Choco unknown Choco, the region surrounding the quake's epicenter, is one of the poorest and most neglected regions of Colombia, often beset by warring armed groups. Much of Choco is accessible only by boat, through the jungle or by airplane.

Little was known about the extent of the damage there. De la Espriella traveled to Choco's capital, Quibdo, on Monday night to assess the damage and announced he had mobilized “the entire military and police apparatus” to respond, deploying engineers, rescue workers and search dogs. He announced rental subsidies for those whose homes were damaged while they undergo repairs. “Choco will never again be the ‘land of the forgotten,'” he said. The earthquake presents the first major test for de la Espriella, who was sworn in as Colombia's leader on Friday. De la Espriella is a divisive figure because of his pledge of an all-out crackdown on criminal groups. Governments offer help, aid The U.S. State Department announced it would provide $15.5 million for emergency shelter, food and other aid.