Colombia searches for its missing after a powerful earthquake kills more than 100
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Search and rescue efforts were underway early Tuesday in dozens of cities and towns in western Colombia after a powerful earthquake struck the region, killing at least 111 people and leaving many trapped under the debris of…
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, killing at least 111 people and causing extensive damage across multiple cities and towns. The quake impacted Cali, Quibdo, Pereira, and numerous other locations. Around 1,600 buildings were reported as either damaged or collapsed in the aftermath of the disaster.
Rescue efforts were in full swing, with soldiers, rescue personnel, and families combing through the rubble to recover survivors and pass along large pieces of concrete to waiting volunteers. President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed that at least 111 people had lost their lives due to the earthquake.
As night fell, the number of missing individuals surged past 2,700. Family members took to citizen-run websites to share information about loved ones who were unaccounted for. Dana Carolina Zamora posted a picture of her missing 60-year-old uncle, Miguel Ángel Zamora, holding their dog. Miguel resided in El Cairo, a rural town located near the earthquake's epicenter in San Jose Del Palmar.
Local authorities estimated that 80% of El Cairo, a town of approximately 7,000 residents, had been affected by the quake. Zamora expressed her anxiety, noting that her uncle's home was a traditional, fragile structure made of sticks and mud, raising concerns about his safety. She hoped that he was unharmed and that the delay in communication was simply a result of a technical issue. However, she had yet to receive any updates regarding her uncle's well-being.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
