Colombia Earthquake Toll Passes 181 as a National Disaster Is Declared

A powerful earthquake near Colombia's Pacific coast has resulted in a national disaster, with the death toll surpassing 181 as of August 11, 2026. Rescue crews are still searching through rubble in cities like Cali and the remote Chocó highlands. The quake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time on August 10 near San José del Palmar, in Chocó department, at a depth of about 96 kilometers.

The shaking lasted 40 to 50 seconds, the longest seismic event recorded in Colombia this century. As of August 11, 181 people have been confirmed dead, with over 1,300 injured and more than 2,500 missing or out of contact. Cali, with 95 confirmed deaths, and Pereira, with 72, are the hardest-hit cities. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of disaster on August 10, allowing the government to mobilize resources more quickly.

The remote location of Chocó, with poor roads and dense jungle, is making rescue efforts more challenging. The U.S. has pledged $15.5 million in humanitarian aid, and Ecuador has deployed a 47-member urban search-and-rescue team. Colombia's location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" means earthquakes are a regular occurrence, but this one struck a major city, making it an urban disaster.

The government will face significant challenges in the coming weeks as it tries to coordinate the relief effort and rebuild the affected areas.