Colombia Earthquake Leaves Hundreds Dead and Risks Loss of Conflict Evidence

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, resulting in over 312 deaths and thousands of injuries. The seismic event caused significant damage to public infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, and destroyed more than 800 homes. The regions of Chocó, Pereira, Cali, and Manizales were among the most severely affected areas.

In the town of Roldanillo, the earthquake caused a structural crack in a cemetery that exposed two skeletal remains and nine bags containing military clothing and boots. The Unidad de Búsqueda de Personas dadas por Desaparecidas (UBPD) is investigating these findings to determine if they are linked to the country's history of forced disappearances. Human rights organizations, including Movice, have warned that the quake puts the memory of the armed conflict at risk, as several other cemeteries in Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, and Antioquia may have been compromised.

In response to the disaster, a solidarity soccer match was held at the Atanasio Girardot stadium in Medellín between Atlético Nacional and Once Caldas. The match ended in a 2 to 2 draw, and the proceeds from the 18,108 attendees were donated to the victims of the earthquake.