Colombia Earthquake: Casualties Rise as Rescue Efforts Continue

A devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia has led to a rising death toll of 312, with thousands injured and many missing. The disaster has severely impacted numerous municipalities, prompting national and international rescue efforts. India has sent relief supplies to support recovery, showcasing global solidarity in the face of natural disasters. As search teams continue their work, the extent of the damage and the ongoing humanitarian response highlight the urgent need for assistance in the affected regions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 19, 2026, 16:06 IST

Impact of the Earthquake in Colombia

Representational Image

Bogota, Aug 19: The recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia has led to a tragic increase in the death toll, now at 312, with 4,611 individuals injured and 290 still unaccounted for, as reported by local officials.

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management has indicated that the earthquake impacted 470 municipalities across 15 departments. The disaster resulted in the collapse of 277 buildings, while nearly 30,000 homes were completely destroyed, and over 134,000 others sustained damage.

Search and rescue teams, both national and international, are actively working through the debris to find those missing, with 358 individuals successfully rescued to date.

According to Colombia's Foreign Ministry, over 220 tonnes of humanitarian aid have been delivered to the nation, and 144 international experts have joined the emergency response efforts, as reported by a news agency.

Many residents affected by the quake are currently living in temporary shelters and tents set up in parks, particularly in the severely impacted regions of Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, and Choco.

In a show of support, India dispatched an initial shipment of 20 metric tonnes of relief supplies to Colombia last week to aid in recovery efforts following the earthquake.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed India's solidarity with Colombia during this challenging period, stating, "We have sent the first tranche of 20 MT relief supplies to Colombia to assist with ongoing recovery efforts post-earthquake. This aid includes medical supplies, temporary shelter, hygiene kits, and other essential items needed in the aftermath of the disaster." He shared this message on social media.

This assistance highlights India's commitment as a first responder in global natural disasters. The aid was sent following a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and nearly 4,000 injuries, with many individuals still missing.

The earthquake struck Western Colombia at 7:34 am local time, as per the Colombian Geological Service. The epicenter was located near San Jose del Palmar at a depth of 96 kilometers.

According to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, approximately 44,936 families and 102,105 individuals across 15 departments and 426 municipalities have been affected by the earthquake. The report also noted that 10,677 homes were destroyed, while 65,841 others were damaged.