Colombia earthquake toll rises to 132: What is the scale of destruction and rescue operations?

The shaking reached far beyond the epicenter. People felt it in Bogotá, about 150 miles away, where alarms went off and residents left buildings as a safety step. Tremors also reached Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.

Where did the earthquake hit hardest?

The epicenter was near San José del Palmar, a small town in Chocó province. Local mayor León Fabio Marín Moncada told the BBC that, despite damage to roads, no one in the town died or was hurt.

The worst damage was further away, in the coffee-growing city of Pereira, about 55km from the epicenter. Local authorities say at least 40 people died there, and 65 buildings collapsed. Rescue teams believe people are still trapped inside 15 of them. Part of the city is under curfew until 5am Tuesday.

In Cali, about 200km from the epicenter, 32 buildings came down. CNN reports the collapsed structures included the pediatric and newborn units of a hospital. Deaths were also reported in Manizales, Quibdó, Medellín, and across the wider Chocó and Valle del Cauca regions.

What are survivors saying?

Residents described chaotic scenes as the ground shook. Angélica Ávila, staying in a hotel in Manizales, told the BBC that people around her were screaming as walls cracked.

Journalist Luis Felipe Molina, also in Manizales, said his building held up because of the city’s strict earthquake building codes. He told BBC Mundo it was “a terrible and terrifying experience.”

Dan Cutler, a British tourist in Cali, said he and his partner ran outside in their pyjamas when the shaking began. He told the BBC he had “never experienced anything like it.”

How is the government responding?

President de la Espriella, who took office just three days earlier, declared a national disaster. This gives him special powers to move government money quickly toward the emergency response. He confirmed more than 1,500 homes have been damaged and said soldiers have been sent to the affected region.

Colombia’s aviation authority reported damage at several regional airports, including in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura.

What help is coming from other countries?

Support has come in from across the world:

• The United States is sending $15.5 million for shelter, food, and emergency needs, the State Department said on X. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is “closely monitoring” the situation and stands “ready to support.”

Following today’s devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake across various regions in Colombia, the Trump Administration is committing $15.5 million in funding for emergency shelter, food, protection, and earthquake assessments.

We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and…

— Department of State (@StateDept) August 10, 2026

• The European Union is using its Copernicus satellite system to help with rescue efforts, according to EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.
• El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, offered rescue personnel and equipment.
• Colombian singer Karol G said her foundation, Con Cora, is working to help affected families. Fellow artist Shakira also shared a message of support.

Has Colombia had earthquakes like this before?

The US Geological Survey says deep earthquakes like Monday’s tend to be less destructive than quakes that break closer to the surface, though they can still damage buildings and produce strong aftershocks. An estimated 1.5 million people felt shaking close to magnitude seven.

This disaster comes less than two months after two earthquakes hit northern Venezuela, killing more than 6,300 people.

(With inputs from agencies)