Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 213, Authorities Fear Further Increase
Authorities warn the toll could rise further as rescuers clear debris in badly affected cities, while experts raise concerns over vulnerable buildings and earthquake preparedness.
BOGOTA, Aug 11: The death toll from the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia has climbed to at least 213, with authorities warning that the figure could increase as search and rescue operations continue.
Emergency teams are working around the clock to remove rubble and debris and locate people who may still be trapped beneath collapsed structures. The quake struck San José del Palmar in the mountainous Chocó region and was felt across western Colombia, including the capital Bogotá.
Cali has recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 95 deaths, followed by Pereira with 66. Another 38 people were killed in other parts of Valle del Cauca, excluding Cali. Quibdó reported nine deaths, while five fatalities were recorded in Manizales.
Cali and Pereira remain among the worst-hit areas, with several structures damaged or destroyed and reports of people trapped under debris, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities. Authorities in Bogotá and Medellín have not reported major destruction but are continuing inspections to assess possible damage.
The earthquake’s epicentre in the remote Chocó region has created additional challenges for rescue operations. Poor road connectivity could hinder the movement of emergency personnel and supplies and delay assistance to more than 500,000 residents.
Pereira and Manizales, located roughly 100 kilometres from the epicentre, also suffered significant damage. Around 5,000 buildings have reportedly been affected.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who was inaugurated on Friday, declared a state of national disaster as countries around the world offered assistance for the relief and recovery effort.
The widespread destruction has also renewed debate over Colombia’s preparedness for major seismic events. The country faces considerable earthquake risks because of its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the interaction of three tectonic plates.
Flover Rodríguez, a geologist and director of the Colombian Association of Energy Geologists and Geophysicists, told El País that Colombia needs updated land-use maps to strengthen its seismic safety framework.
“Colombia needs to establish a clear land use policy to protect its people,” he said.
The association had urged the government in late July to improve geological mapping and highlighted the absence of a centralised database identifying municipalities that have completed basic geological studies. Such information could assist authorities in reducing risks linked to earthquakes, landslides and floods.
John Londoño of the Colombian Geological Service told El País that although earthquake-resistant construction standards have improved, a large number of older buildings still do not comply with current requirements.
He particularly highlighted low-income and social housing, where inadequate construction standards could leave vulnerable communities at greater risk.
Gina Villalobos, a civil engineer and professor of seismology, also pointed to shortcomings in construction practices. She said projects sometimes deviate from approved plans to reduce costs or speed up completion, potentially weakening compliance with earthquake-resistant regulations.
The latest disaster has therefore highlighted not only the immediate need for rescue and relief but also the longer-term requirement for stronger building enforcement, updated geological data and improved disaster preparedness across Colombia.
