The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook Colombia on August 10, 2026 has left a trail of destruction. According to the latest report from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), as of 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, the death toll has risen to 319 people, with 4,506 injured and 260 missing.
The epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, at a depth of 103 kilometers. The quake affected 15 departments and 476 municipalities, leaving 153,336 families affected and 282,709 people impacted overall.
Official Balance of the Tragedy
- 🕊️ 319 fatalities
- 🏥 4,506 injured
- 🔍 260 missing
- 👥 364 rescued
- 🏠 31,461 homes destroyed
- 🏚️ 163,492 homes damaged
- 🏢 302 buildings collapsed
Critical Infrastructure Damage
- 🏥 349 health centers affected
- 🏫 3,513 educational institutions damaged
- 🏘️ 4,994 community centers affected
- 🛣️ 450 roads damaged
- 💧 110 aqueducts out of service
- 🌉 70 vehicular bridges and 14 pedestrian bridges affected
- ✈️ 5 airports with damage
Authorities warn that these figures are preliminary and still being consolidated.
Economic Emergency: The Decree Signed by De La Espriella
President Abelardo De La Espriella and his cabinet signed the decree on Wednesday night declaring a State of Economic, Social, and Ecological Emergency in 15 departments: Antioquia, Caldas, Cauca, Chocó, Quindío, Cundinamarca, Risaralda, Huila, Valle, Tolima, Putumayo, Norte de Santander, Bolívar, Nariño, and Sucre. The measure will last 30 days and aims to "address the crisis and prevent its spread".
The president had already indicated that non-priority expenditures from the previous administration would be reviewed and reduced, and that complementary sources of financing would be sought. Reconstruction will demand millions in resources at a time when Colombia's economy faces a high fiscal deficit.
Aftershocks: The Ground Keeps Moving
The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) reported three new earthquakes during the early hours of Thursday, August 20, in the department of Chocó, near the town of Istmina: one of magnitude 2.6 at 1:15 a.m., another of 3.0 at 1:52 a.m., and a third of 2.9 at 3:38 a.m. Since the main quake, more than 325 aftershocks have been recorded, a phenomenon expected according to Omori's law, which describes the decay of aftershock frequency over time.
International Aid: Argentina Steps In
Colombia has received 640 tons of international humanitarian aid from a dozen countries, including the United States, Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, El Salvador, Peru, Israel, India, Paraguay, China, and Spain.
Argentina sent 32 military personnel from its armed forces, along with a C-130 Hercules aircraft and an Embraer ERJ-140, as well as a water purification plant, a field kitchen, and thousands of food rations. The contingent departed from the 1st Air Brigade in El Palomar.
Inspiring Solidarity
The River Plate Foundation, together with Independiente Santa Fe, delivered drinking water, balls, and equipment to the Colombian Red Cross in the context of the Copa Sudamericana. Singer Shakira traveled to the most affected areas and announced donations to rebuild schools.
National and international search and rescue teams continue to work among the rubble to find those still missing.
Sources: UNGRD, SGC, Colombian Presidency, international aid agencies.