A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia on Monday, August 10th, 2026, resulting in at least 126 deaths and injuring 1,495 people. The quake caused widespread destruction, flattening homes and buildings and triggering landslides.

According to Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), nearly 5,000 homes were damaged and 387 destroyed. Additionally, 61 buildings collapsed, and more than 550 educational institutions, 24 health facilities, and over 350 community centers were affected.

The Colombian Geological Service reported the earthquake's epicenter was about 103 kilometers (64 miles) deep, marking it as the largest seismic event recorded in Colombia this century.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) cited official Colombian data indicating damage to 24 health facilities across six departments, with Valle del Cauca—especially the city of Cali—experiencing the most significant impacts on health infrastructure. The city’s mayor reported 18 deaths there late Monday.

UN agencies have teams on the ground assessing the situation and are coordinating with the Colombian government to prepare an emergency response meeting to determine needs and potential assistance. UN Resident Coordinator María José Torres Macho confirmed these efforts.

Miroslav Jenča, head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, expressed solidarity with victims and affected communities, particularly in Chocó, Eje Cafetero, and Valle del Cauca, and stated the Mission is ready to support the authorities’ response.

As rescue operations continue, the UN emphasized that no official request for international assistance has yet been made. However, they stand ready to help "with everything we've got" if such a request is received.

Sources