Death Toll Rises to 132 After Devastating Colombia Earthquake

Washington will provide $15.5 million to address the emergency caused by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia, which has left at least 111 people dead and 87 injured.

The United States announced $15.5 million in aid for Colombia following the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the western part of the country and, according to the official tally, has left at least 111 people dead and 87 injured.

The State Department said the funds will be used to cover immediate needs such as emergency shelters, food, protection for affected communities, and assessments of the damage caused by the earthquake.

United States offers support after the Colombia earthquake

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

The announcement was made through the State Department’s official X account, where Washington expressed its solidarity with Colombia.

“We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and stand ready to support the president and his government as they assess needs on the ground,” the agency said.

Before the funding announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said that the United States was closely monitoring the emergency and was prepared to work with Colombian authorities.

7.4-magnitude Colombia earthquake strikes the country

According to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), the earthquake’s epicenter was located in the municipality of San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó.

The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time and was strongly felt in cities including Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Manizales, Pereira, Armenia, and Popayán. It was also felt in Ecuador and Panama.

According to SGC Director General Julio Fierro Morales, it was the strongest earthquake recorded in Colombia in the past decade.

Manizales and Pereira among the hardest-hit areas

Cities in the Coffee Region are among the areas hardest hit, particularly Manizales and Pereira, where building collapses and significant infrastructure damage were reported.

Matecaña International Airport also sustained damage.

In Chocó, Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba reported injuries and severe damage in Quibdó.

Colombia declares national disaster

The Colombian government declared a national disaster as search-and-rescue operations continue.

Vice President José Manuel Restrepo traveled to Manizales to lead the Unified Command Post coordinating the emergency response.

He also announced that he would work with the Foreign Ministry to facilitate the arrival of international aid and resources.

First major crisis for the new government

In Cali, our priority is the families affected and the people missing after this natural tragedy.

From the National Government, in coordination with departmental and local authorities, we are working tirelessly to attend to the injured, search for… pic.twitter.com/WFGLM3ofCm

— Abelardo De La Espriella (@ABDELAESPRIELLA) August 11, 2026

The tragedy also represents the first major challenge for the government of Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed the presidency just days before the earthquake.

De la Espriella replaced Gustavo Petro after narrowly defeating Iván Cepeda in the election.

The new president maintains a close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, at a time when Washington and Bogotá are entering a new phase of closer bilateral relations.

With rescue operations still underway, Colombian authorities now face the challenge of assisting affected communities, assessing the full extent of the damage, and coordinating the arrival of international aid.