---
title: "Colombia Earthquake: Death Toll Rises, Rescue Efforts Intensify"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/colombia-earthquake-rescue-efforts-death-toll-3tfhr
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Society
published: 2026-08-13T11:30:28.293Z
modified: 2026-08-13T13:45:05.568Z
language: en-IN
---

# Colombia Earthquake: Death Toll Rises, Rescue Efforts Intensify

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing widespread destruction and significant casualties. Rescue operations are ongoing, with a focus on finding survivors trapped under rubble.

## Key takeaways

- A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, resulting in over 200 deaths and widespread destruction.
- Rescue teams are working to find survivors trapped under rubble in affected cities like Cali and Pereira.
- The Colombian government has declared three days of national mourning following the disaster.
- The earthquake is the strongest to hit the country in a century, highlighting the strain on its health system and accessibility challenges in remote areas.

## What Happened

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Rescue efforts are underway to find survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures, with authorities declaring three days of national mourning.

## Key Facts

- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia on Monday.

- More than 200 people have died, with government figures reporting 2,595 injured and 195 officially missing. Civilian-run databases suggest the number of unaccounted for could be closer to 4,000.

- President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office three days prior, declared three days of national mourning.

- The earthquake's epicentre was near San José del Palmar in Chocó province.

- Major cities affected include Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo.

- In Cali, neighborhoods were flattened, and parts of a hospital collapsed. Over 200 people remained trapped in Cali as of Tuesday afternoon.

- In Pereira, at least 92 buildings collapsed, with 79 confirmed deaths.

- A 32-year-old woman, Daniela Largo, was rescued alive in Pereira after being trapped for 36 hours.

- More than 100 aftershocks have been recorded.

## Background

The earthquake is considered the strongest to hit Colombia in a century. It has placed significant strain on the country's health system. The affected region, particularly Chocó, is one of the poorest in the country and includes remote areas that are difficult to access.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/colombia-earthquake-rescue-efforts-death-toll-3tfhr
Reported from: Multiple Sources