A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10th, 2026, resulting in at least 224 deaths and thousands of people missing, with authorities warning that the casualty count could rise.

Official data indicates that 1,495 people have been injured, and the quake caused widespread destruction, flattening homes and buildings and triggering landslides. Nearly 5,000 homes have been damaged and 387 destroyed; 61 buildings collapsed, and more than 550 educational institutions, 24 health facilities, and over 350 community centers were affected, according to Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The earthquake's epicenter was located at a depth of about 103 kilometers (64 miles), making it the largest seismic event recorded in Colombia this century, as reported by the Colombian Geological Service.

Valle del Cauca department, particularly the city of Cali, experienced the most significant health infrastructure impacts, with damage reported in 24 health facilities across six departments, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

As emergency teams continue searching for survivors, the mayor of Cali reported 18 deaths in the city alone.

The UN system has teams assessing the situation and is preparing, alongside the Colombian government, an initial emergency response meeting to determine needs and potential assistance. UN agencies have stated they are ready to provide full support if requested by authorities.

Miroslav Jenča, head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, expressed solidarity with victims and affected communities, especially in Chocó, Eje Cafetero, and Valle del Cauca, and confirmed the Mission's availability to support the authorities' response.

Sources