Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 273; Nearly 1 Lakh People Affected

August 14, 2026

Bogota: The death toll from Monday’s devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia has risen to 273, David Tamayo, director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, said on Friday.

At a press conference, Tamayo said 40,753 families, or 97,515 people, have been affected by the earthquake. Of the 273 people killed, 250 bodies have reached Legal Medicine facilities, 227 have been identified and 189 have been handed over to their families.

The earthquake has also left 3,824 people injured, while 377 people remain missing, highlighting the scale of the disaster and the continuing challenges faced by rescue teams.

Over 12,000 homes destroyed

The earthquake caused extensive damage to homes and critical infrastructure across the affected areas.

According to Tamayo, 12,584 homes were destroyed and another 74,873 damaged. A total of 172 buildings collapsed, while 2,198 schools and educational institutions, 825 community centres and 216 health centres were also affected.

Five airports were damaged by the earthquake, further complicating transportation and relief operations in some areas.

Authorities are using satellite technology and high-resolution imagery to assess the destruction and monitor affected regions.

Rescue teams search for missing people

Search and rescue operations remain underway, with teams using specially trained dogs to locate people who may still be trapped beneath the rubble.

The Colombian Geological Service reported another 4.2-magnitude tremor on Thursday at 9:42 a.m. local time (1442 GMT). The tremor was recorded in San Jose del Palmar in the northwestern department of Choco, which was also the epicentre of Monday’s powerful earthquake.

The continued seismic activity has added to concerns among residents and rescue workers operating in the affected areas.

UN steps up humanitarian assistance

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its partners are supporting the Colombian government’s response to the disaster.

OCHA said widespread damage to homes and public infrastructure had been reported, while humanitarian assessments were continuing, particularly in the worst-hit areas.

Disruptions to communications, transportation and public services are hampering relief operations. Emergency shelter, food, safe drinking water and healthcare have emerged as the main priorities for affected communities.

The United Nations and its partners are mobilising resources to support the response. The World Food Programme is providing food assistance, while the World Health Organization is sending medical supplies from warehouses in Colombia.