Report Updates Earthquake Victims and Damage

On August 21, 2026, a new report released by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management updated the impacts of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that occurred on August 10. The natural disaster has left hundreds dead and missing, in addition to thousands injured and rescued across various regions of the country.

Official toll of victims and injured

According to data updated as of the August 21, 2026 cutoff, the death toll has reached 321 people. Furthermore, the agency maintains a record of 257 missing persons, while the number of injured has reached 4,595 and those rescued has climbed to 364.

Territorial reach and affected families

The seismic movement had its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó. The emergency has affected 146,188 families, equivalent to 284,185 people, spread across 476 municipalities belonging to 15 departments.

Destruction of homes and buildings

In the housing and construction sector, the material damage report records 31,445 homes completely destroyed and another 163,884 units with some type of damage. The report also highlights the collapse of 467 buildings, with the highest concentration of damage in Cali and Pereira, capitals of Valle del Cauca and Risaralda, respectively.

Impacts on infrastructure and services

The situation also hit various public structures and service networks, affecting 351 health centers, 3,579 educational facilities, and 4,611 community centers. In the area of transportation and transit, incidents were recorded on 435 roads, 69 vehicular bridges, 14 pedestrian bridges, 111 aqueducts, and five airports. The report also included 1,254 rescued animals and 1,236 affected.

New tremors recorded by the Geological Service

As authorities continue monitoring seismic activity, the Colombian Geological Service recorded new movements during the early morning and early hours of Friday, August 21, 2026. The tremors occurred in Dabeiba and Istmina, with magnitudes ranging between 2.8 and 3.3, with no initial information regarding people affected or new material damage resulting from these recent tremors.

With information from El Colombiano.