The 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 132 people, injured 570 and damaged homes, roads, airports and other infrastructure.
The United States has pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid to Colombia after a magnitude-7.4 earthquake killed at least 132 people and injured 570, while search-and-rescue teams continued working amid widespread destruction.
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The U.S. State Department said Monday that the Trump administration would provide the funds for emergency shelters, food, protection measures and earthquake assessments. Washington also said it was prepared to support President Abelardo de la Espriella and his government as they assessed needs on the ground.
The disaster prompted Colombia’s new government to declare a national disaster as hospitals struggled to cope with the number of injured and several airports suspended operations. Search-and-rescue efforts remained underway, with authorities prioritizing the recovery of people trapped beneath rubble.
De la Espriella said 1,575 homes had been damaged, including 37 that were completely destroyed. Sixty-one buildings had collapsed, while 18 roads and several airports sustained damage.
Following today’s devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake across various regions in Colombia, the Trump Administration is committing $15.5 million in funding for emergency shelter, food, protection, and earthquake assessments.
We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and…
— Department of State (@StateDept) August 10, 2026
Pereira, the capital of Risaralda and one of the cities closest to the epicenter, recorded the highest number of deaths, with 60. It was followed by Cali, Quibdó, Manizales and Armenia.
The death and injury figures released by the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, known as Asocapital, cover only the country’s capital cities. They do not include casualties reported in surrounding municipalities and communities, where authorities also reported collapsed buildings and damage to hospitals, airports, public utilities and transport systems.
The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time at a depth of 103 kilometers, according to the Colombian Geological Service. The epicenter was in the municipality of San José del Palmar in the northwestern department of Chocó.
The tremor was felt in Bogotá, Cali, Popayán, Manizales, Armenia, Pereira and Medellín, as well as other cities in central and western Colombia. It was also reported in Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.
The U.S. funding is intended to support emergency shelters, food, protection measures and earthquake assessments as Colombian authorities continue rescue operations and assess the extent of the damage.
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