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Colombia quake death toll hits 265, 2,700 missing

8/14/2026

23 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia’s western region on August 10 2026, killing at least 265 people and leaving over 2,700 missing.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national and economic emergency and announced $15.5 million in U.S. aid.
U.S. urban search-and-rescue teams of about 40 arrived while Colombian responders used canine units, thermal drones and specialized gear as Cali entered its final rescue phase.

History

Historical Context

On 25 January 1999 a magnitude 6.2 quake struck the coffee-growing region of Armenia, Colombia, killing at least 1,900 people and revealing the fragility of older, poorly built structures. The disaster spurred reforms of the Romeral Fault System-linked national seismic-risk agency, reflecting Colombia’s broader government effort to improve earthquake preparedness as part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

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Story summary

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia’s western region on August 10 2026, killing at least 265 people and leaving over 2,700 missing.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national and economic emergency and announced $15.5 million in U.S. aid.
U.S. urban search-and-rescue teams of about 40 arrived while Colombian responders used canine units, thermal drones and specialized gear as Cali entered its final rescue phase.

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