Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 265 as Rescue Window Closes
Colombia's earthquake death toll rose to 265 in Pereira. This was reported by August 12 2026.
The government said almost 500 people remained missing. An independent database listed more than 4100 people as missing.
About 3494 people were injured and tens of thousands displaced. A magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit western Colombia on Monday August 10 2026.
It destroyed buildings, buckled roads and crushed cars. In Pereira rescuers searched through rubble for survivors.
This happened as a critical 72 hour window closed. Rescuers described scenes of horror.
The rescue operation entered its final phase. But hopes of finding more survivors decreased.
Colombia's government declared an economic emergency. President Abelardo de la Espriella set up an emergency command post.
Tons of aid from regional partners arrived Wednesday. The search for survivors continued.
Key Terms 5
- Pereira A city in western Colombia hit hard by the earthquake.
- magnitude 7.4 A measure of earthquake strength. This was a very powerful quake.
- 72-hour window The time when trapped survivors are most likely found alive.
- Abelardo de la Espriella Colombia's newly inaugurated president leading the emergency response.
- economic emergency A formal declaration letting the government spend extra money quickly.