Earthquake Kills At Least 132, Thousands Missing Under Rubble In Colombia

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on 10 August 2026, centered near Chocó, killing at least 132 people and damaging or collapsing around 1,600 buildings across cities including Cali, Quibdó, Pereira and Manizales. Thousands remain missing or trapped under rubble as soldiers, rescue teams and volunteers dig through debris by hand; the poorest and most isolated region of Chocó has been hit especially hard, with limited access complicating relief.  Newly sworn-in President Abelardo de la Espriella has made rescuing those still buried his top priority, mobilizing the full military and police apparatus, setting up unified command posts and offering rental subsidies. International aid, including $15.5 million from the United States, is arriving while the nation remains shaken by recent devastating quakes in neighboring Venezuela.