{
  "id": 3304974,
  "title": "Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 331 as Damage Mounts Two Weeks After",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/colombia-earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-331-as-damage-mounts-two",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T16:12:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Colombia One",
    "slug": "colombia-one",
    "url": "https://colombiaone.com/2026/08/25/colombia-earthquake-death-toll/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two weeks after a powerful earthquake struck Colombia on August 10, the death toll has risen to 331, with hundreds still unaccounted for and extensive damage continuing to emerge nationwide. According to Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, 4,439 people were injured, 240 remain missing, and 364 have been rescued since the magnitude 7.4 quake. The epicenter was located near San Jose del Palmar in Choco department at a depth of about 103 kilometers. The tremor was felt across 16 departments, causing widespread destruction predominantly in provinces of Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, Quindio, Choco, and Cauca.\n\nThe human impact has expanded as authorities conduct more detailed assessments. The latest figures indicate that 361,353 people across 494 municipalities in 16 departments have been affected. In addition to human lives lost and injured, the disaster has left a significant housing crisis. Out of 494 municipalities, 31,540 homes have been completely destroyed, while 178,555 have been damaged. Beyond residential buildings, 5,884 structures have sustained damage, and 603 have collapsed. These statistics underline the magnitude of the reconstruction challenge that Colombia now faces as rescue operations gradually transition into recovery efforts.\n\nCities such as Cali and Pereira have borne the brunt of urban destruction. In Cali, numerous buildings have been damaged or deemed unsafe, raising questions about potential demolition of certain structures. Experts have highlighted the influence of local soil conditions, building age, and construction standards in explaining the disparate levels of damage. A study by the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Cali supports this, attributing a significant role to these factors in the uneven destruction pattern.\n\nRescue operations, while down to 364 rescues, have stabilized, with search teams persistently working in areas where individuals remain unaccounted for. Assistance has involved both Colombian emergency personnel and international specialists. With the disappearance of 240 people, the final death toll remains uncertain, as authorities verify identities, investigate family reports, and continue search efforts. Additionally, not all missing persons are likely under rubble; some may be in less accessible locations.\n\nThe government has also begun to pivot towards long-term recovery. In the first week after the disaster, hundreds of health centers, schools, community facilities, roads, bridges, water systems, and airports sustained damage. The government declared an economic, social, and ecological emergency to facilitate necessary measures for affected regions and expedite aid. International aid has arrived in Colombia, with over 220 tons of humanitarian assistance and deployment of specialized international teams. However, for thousands of families, immediate concerns remain finding missing relatives, securing temporary housing, and repairing or replacing damaged homes.",
  "summary": "The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Colombia on Aug. 10 has risen to 331, while hundreds of people remain missing and the scale of the destruction continues to emerge across the country. According to the latest balance from Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), 4,439 people have been injured, 240 […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Tempo.co English",
        "title": "NTT Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 103",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/ntt-earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-103",
        "published": "2026-08-25T12:56:42.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Antara News Indonesia",
        "title": "NTT earthquake death toll rises to 103, injuries reach 1,666: BNPB",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/ntt-earthquake-death-toll-rises-to-103-injuries-reach-1-666-bnpb",
        "published": "2026-08-25T14:53:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}