Colombia declares state of emergency as earthquake death toll rises
Rescue teams in western Colombia continue search operations as the death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake reaches at least 164.
Rescue teams in western Colombia are continuing search operations after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near San José del Palmar. Authorities declared a national state of emergency as search teams and military personnel clear debris from collapsed structures to locate survivors.
Casualty estimates have varied as the situation develops. Initial reports cited at least 20 fatalities, but subsequent updates raised the figure to 132, with recent estimates confirming at least 164 dead and over 500 injured. The tremor, centered at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers, caused widespread damage and was felt in neighboring Ecuador.
Emergency officials warn that the death toll could rise further as rescue efforts proceed in affected areas.
Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.
Sources
- HotNews — Zeci de morți după un cutremur de magnitudine 7,4 în Columbia. Imagini dramatice – VIDEO
- Adevărul — Cutremur de 7,4 în Columbia: cel puțin 20 de persoane au murit, iar mai multe clădiri s-au prăbușit
- Digi24 — Bilanțul cutremurului din Columbia urcă la 132 de morți și sute de răniți. Mărturii după cel mai puternic seism din ultimii ani
- Ziarul de Gardă — VIDEO/ Peste 130 de morți și 500 de răniți după unul dintre cele mai puternice cutremure care au lovit Columbia în ultimii ani
- Moldova1 — Cutremurul din Columbia: Cel puțin 164 de morți și sute de persoane căutate sub dărâmături
Earlier coverage
- Aug 18, 2026, 07:00 PM UTCRescue efforts continue in Colombia as earthquake death toll mounts
- Aug 18, 2026, 06:30 PM UTCRescue teams search for survivors as Colombia earthquake death toll climbs
- Aug 18, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCDeath toll climbs past 160 after magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits Colombia
- Aug 18, 2026, 07:00 AM UTCColombia earthquake death toll climbs past 160 as rescue operations continue
- Aug 18, 2026, 06:00 AM UTCColombia earthquake death toll climbs as search operations continue
- Aug 18, 2026, 01:00 AM UTCDeath toll climbs following magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia
- Aug 18, 2026, 12:00 AM UTCDeath toll reaches 164 after magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits western Colombia
- Aug 17, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCDeath toll climbs to at least 164 after powerful earthquake in Colombia
- Aug 17, 2026, 07:00 AM UTCColombia earthquake death toll climbs to 164 as rescue efforts continue
- Aug 17, 2026, 05:30 AM UTCDeath toll rises in Colombia after magnitude 7.4 earthquake