Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Devastates Western Colombia, Thousands Missing
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing widespread damage and leaving over 3,000 people missing. Search and rescue efforts are underway in cities like Cali, Pereira, Choco, and Manizales, where at least 179 people have died. The earthquake…
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 11, 2026 —
A significant 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, resulting in extensive damage and a high number of missing persons. Search and rescue operations are currently active across several cities, including Cali, Pereira, Choco, and Manizales.
The seismic event has led to a confirmed death toll of at least 179 individuals. In addition to the fatalities, the earthquake has caused severe structural damage, with approximately 1,600 buildings reported as damaged or having collapsed entirely. The region of Choco, located near the earthquake’s epicenter and known for being one of the country’s poorest areas, has been disproportionately affected by the disaster.
Authorities are mobilizing resources for ongoing search and rescue missions as the scale of the devastation becomes clearer. The number of people missing has reached over 3,000, indicating a potentially higher casualty count as efforts continue. The focus remains on locating survivors amidst the rubble and providing assistance to those affected by the widespread destruction.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.tampabay28.com, see more information here.
