Colombia earthquake leaves 265 dead as rescuers race to find survivors

Thursday 13 August 2026 - 14:15

By: Azzat Manal

Colombia earthquake leaves 265 dead as rescuers race to find survivors

Colombia is facing a major humanitarian emergency after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the western part of the country, leaving at least 265 people dead, nearly 3,500 injured and around 500 others missing, according to authorities.

Rescue teams are continuing their search through collapsed buildings in some of the worst-affected areas, including Cali and Pereira. Firefighters, emergency workers, volunteers, rescue dogs and heavy equipment have been deployed to examine the rubble and locate people who may still be trapped.

In Pereira, rescuers have been concentrating on the remains of a collapsed bakery after detecting what could be signs of life beneath the debris. Specialized equipment reportedly picked up vibrations, while rescue teams attempted to communicate with a possible survivor by asking them to make sounds or strike nearby structures.

The first 72 hours following a major earthquake are widely regarded as a critical period for search-and-rescue operations. However, the passing of this period does not eliminate the possibility of finding survivors, particularly when people are protected by voids within collapsed structures.

Cali, one of Colombia’s largest cities, has also experienced significant disruption. Rescue operations have continued in several areas, with teams periodically stopping machinery to listen for possible sounds coming from damaged buildings.

Pereira has faced the trauma of major earthquakes before. The region was severely affected by the 1999 earthquake, which caused extensive destruction and claimed around 1,200 lives.

The latest disaster has also caused substantial material damage. Homes and businesses have been destroyed or rendered unsafe, while numerous families have lost their possessions and sources of income.

Authorities and volunteers are distributing essential supplies, including food and water, while residents have also responded by donating blood and assisting emergency teams. The disaster has triggered widespread solidarity across affected communities.

For the families of those still missing, the rescue effort remains a race against time. Emergency workers are facing unstable structures and difficult conditions as they search for possible survivors while trying to prevent further injuries.

Colombia is now entering a crucial stage of the disaster response: locating people who may remain trapped, treating thousands of injured residents and providing shelter and assistance to families whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed.