Overview
- The 7.4-magnitude quake hit on Monday, Aug. 10 at about 7:34 a.m. local time with an epicenter near San José del Palmar, the U.S. Geological Survey and Colombia’s Geological Service reported.
- President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency and said he had taken direct command of the response, and officials gave an initial count of 111 dead even as media and later tallies have reported higher, developing totals.
- Dozens of buildings collapsed or were heavily damaged in Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdó with many people trapped under rubble and hospitals, schools and other public facilities reported widespread damage.
- Airports serving affected cities were suspended for safety inspections, several aftershocks were recorded, and Colombia’s poor, jungle-covered Chocó province is difficult to reach by road which is slowing full damage and casualty assessments.
- International offers of help have arrived and the U.S. has pledged emergency funding and support, and officials warn the crisis could strain rescue capacity and push the toll higher as teams reach remote communities.