Story perspectives

7.4 Earthquake Kills 180 in Colombia, 2,600 Injured

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, killing at least 180 people, injuring roughly 2,600 and leaving more than 4,000 missing.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, sworn in last Friday, faces his first major test as the disaster unfolds.
Rescue teams have recovered one woman after a day-and-a-half trapped under debris.
Bogotá Fire Department officials say responders are now focusing on debris removal while the critical 48- to 72-hour survivor window passes.

History

Historical Context

On July 28 1976 a magnitude 7.6 quake struck Tangshan, Hebei, collapsing 85 % of its buildings and killing an official 242,469 people, China’s deadliest disaster. It came a year after the 1975 Haicheng earthquake, which had been successfully predicted and raised expectations for early warnings. In response, the Chinese government and the People’s Liberation Army mobilized thousands to rebuild railways and infrastructure.

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Story summary

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, killing at least 180 people, injuring roughly 2,600 and leaving more than 4,000 missing.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, sworn in last Friday, faces his first major test as the disaster unfolds.
Rescue teams have recovered one woman after a day-and-a-half trapped under debris.
Bogotá Fire Department officials say responders are now focusing on debris removal while the critical 48- to 72-hour survivor window passes.

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