In a tragic turn of events, over 3,000 individuals in Colombia have been reported missing after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck on Tuesday. This natural disaster has sparked an urgent search for survivors as the Trump administration steps in, pledging $15.5 million in relief aid to support recovery efforts.
The aftermath of the quake has been captured in videos and photographs showing emergency responders tirelessly digging through rubble and debris to find any survivors. Local leaders from cities such as Cali, Pereira, Chocó, and Manizales have confirmed that at least 179 lives were lost in these areas alone. Meanwhile, federal estimates remain at 111 fatalities, a figure last updated shortly after the earthquake hit, according to reports from The Associated Press.
“We stand united in prayer with the people of Colombia and are prepared to assist President Abelardo De la Espriella and his administration as they evaluate the situation,” announced the State Department on X, showing solidarity and readiness to support the Colombian government’s efforts.
The department further emphasized that “the Trump Administration is contributing $15.5 million to fund emergency shelters, provide food, ensure protection, and conduct assessments of the earthquake damage.”
The day after the devastating earthquake in Pereira, Colombia, rescue workers and volunteers were seen clearing debris on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. (Miguel Angel Lopez/AP)
Around 1,600 buildings across Colombia have been reported damaged or collapsed, and more than 3,000 people are missing, the AP reported.
A man looks at a collapsed building after an earthquake struck Manizales, Colombia, on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. (Dario Cardona/AP)
President Abelardo De la Espriella, who was inaugurated just days earlier, traveled to Chocó’s capital, Quibdó, on Monday night and announced he was mobilizing “the entire military and police apparatus” to respond, deploying engineers, rescue workers and search dogs.
“Chocó will never again be the ‘land of the forgotten,’” he said.
Residents and rescue workers search through the rubble after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. (Santiago Saldarriaga/AP)
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake was centered in San José del Palmar, a town located within the western Chocó region, which borders the Pacific Ocean.
In a post on X, De la Espriella, added that, “The National Government stands with the people of Chocó.”
Rescue workers cut through debris as they search for survivors the day after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. (Ivan Valencia/AP)
“Immediate economic resources and humanitarian aid have already been allocated to support the more than 1,400 affected families and individuals,” he added. “The injured and those requiring priority medical attention are being transferred to Medellín with all available hospital capacity.”