Antioquia declares hospital red alert after 7.4 earthquake

On August 10, 2026, the Antioquia Governor's Office declared a hospital red alert in response to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook the western part of the country. The measure ensures that any health facility in the department can receive patients, regardless of affiliation or economic status.

Hospital red alert and its scope

The Secretary of Health and Social Inclusion, Alma Solano Sánchez, explained that the alert allows the allocation of patients to any institution that has available beds. The rule applies to both public and private hospitals, and no facility may refuse a referred patient if it has capacity to treat them.

Impacts of the earthquake in Antioquia

The quake caused the death of a 73‑year‑old man in Támesis after a rockfall, and injured two people. The Governor's Office reports damage to 352 homes, 61 schools, 29 churches and seven hospitals. In addition to the human toll, the health infrastructure suffered compromises that require detailed assessments.

Coordination with Chocó and patient transfers

One of the first objectives of the alert is to support the population of Chocó, the neighboring department where the earthquake’s epicenter was located. The Governor's Office is in contact with the Ministry of Health and Chocó authorities to organize the transfer of patients who need specialized care. The emergency and urgent care coordinating centers of the involved regions identify hospitals with capacity and coordinate referrals.

Red Cross and Civil Defense actions

Red Cross and Civil Defense teams from Antioquia are moving to Chocó to integrate into the local response system. Edwin Montoya, coordinator of the Red Cross mission, reported that 30 rescue volunteers will arrive in the Pacific department, working together with Civil Defense and local firefighters to support the emergency.

Financial challenges for the hospital network

The activation of the alert comes at a time of financial difficulties for Antioquia’s public health network. The previous week, 25 public hospitals suspended non‑urgent outpatient services for members of the New EPS, due to a debt that the Antioquia State Social Enterprises Association (AESA) estimates at 450 billion. The suspension does not affect emergency care or services that could jeopardize lives.

Next steps for the Governor's Office

Alma Solano assured that the departmental administration is ready to receive patients referred from the hardest‑hit areas. The available capacity of the network will be used to meet the needs that arise both in Antioquia and in neighboring departments, ensuring continuity of care in cases of emergency, hospitalization, or specialized treatment.

With information from El Colombiano.