Colombia Reports 329 Dead and Extensive Damage Following Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake

The Colombian government has raised the death toll to 329 people and reported 247 missing following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on August 10. The disaster affected 154,014 families across 481 municipalities in 16 departments, with the epicentre located in San José del Palmar, Chocó. The most severe impacts were recorded in Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindío. In Cali, the official death toll reached 150 people, and authorities have now closed the search and rescue phase to begin the demolition of buildings at risk.

Material damage is extensive, including the destruction of 31,183 homes, the damage of 171,273 other dwellings, and the collapse of 553 buildings. Infrastructure losses include 3,670 educational centers, 367 health centers, and 427 roads. In response to the crisis in Valle del Cauca, a 1.7 trillion peso plan has been proposed to save the health network, as more than 200 health providers in Cali were affected.

Recovery efforts are underway across the region. Vice President José Manuel Restrepo has announced an economic reactivation route for Quindío to protect employment, tourism, and commerce. He specifically encouraged national and international tourists to visit Salento, stating that its tourism infrastructure suffered no structural damage. In Cali, Cine Colombia reopened its Multiplex Unicali on August 21 with a free screening for 1,400 affected children. Meanwhile, seismic activity continues in the region, with the Colombian Geological Service reporting a magnitude 3.0 earthquake in Istmina, Chocó, on the morning of August 22.