Story perspectives

Colombia’s 7.4 Quake Kills 290, Injures 4,200

8/17/2026

Summary

Espriella Mobilizes Relief

President Abelardo de la Espriella led the emergency response after a magnitude-7.4 quake struck Colombia on August 10, 2026.
The disaster left about 290 dead, 140 missing and 4,200 injured.
The government declared a national emergency, paused taxes and utilities, and reported over 12,500 homes destroyed and 80,000 damaged.
International aid includes a $1 million pledge from the South American Football Confederation and $26.5 million from the U.S. State Department.

Summary

Father Aguirre Evacuates

Father Oscar Aguirre Calderón led the evacuation of Trinity Parish in Palmira, carrying the ciborium as the ground shook.
The tower and cupola collapsed, sending bricks through the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima, but no injuries occurred.
Aguirre said the parish is a heritage site that has baptized Palmira residents.
The Diocese of Palmira reported damage to Our Lady of La Candelaria, St. Anthony of Padua chapel, and churches.

History

Historical Context

The 2026 magnitude-7.4 quake in Chocó echoes Colombia’s long seismic record, from the Romeral Fault System and the 1999 Armenia quake that killed about 1,900 people (intensity X). Both disasters spurred national emergency responses—President Andrés Pastrana mobilized Red Cross aid after the 1999 event, and President Abelardo de la Espriella now leads relief with a $26.5 million U.S. pledge.

1 of 3

Espriella Mobilizes Relief

President Abelardo de la Espriella led the emergency response after a magnitude-7.4 quake struck Colombia on August 10, 2026.
The disaster left about 290 dead, 140 missing and 4,200 injured.
The government declared a national emergency, paused taxes and utilities, and reported over 12,500 homes destroyed and 80,000 damaged.
International aid includes a $1 million pledge from the South American Football Confederation and $26.5 million from the U.S. State Department.

1 / 3