Citizen platform “Colombia te busca” helps locate missing persons

On August 10, 2026, a strong earthquake struck Colombia, creating an emergency situation that motivated the creation of a digital tool called “Colombia te busca”. The initiative, voluntary and non‑profit, aims to reconnect families who have lost contact with their loved ones.

How the “Colombia te busca” platform works

The website works as a public board where anyone can register information about missing individuals. The registration asks for name, age, photograph and the last location where the person was seen, and also allows selecting the “Earthquake” category to filter cases related to the quake.

Who can use it and what data is required

Any user can access the reporting form, which has been simplified to facilitate community participation. The basic information required – name, age, photo and disappearance point – is enough to create a record that can be consulted by anyone with relevant data.

Security and sharing of searches

To prevent automated use, the platform incorporates reCAPTCHA, which verifies that the person entering the data is human. After registration, the system generates search posters that can be downloaded or shared via messaging apps such as WhatsApp, expanding the reach of the searches.

Data recorded so far

According to available information, 2,381 people have already been registered. Of these, 2,324 remain “to be located” and 55 have been marked as found. In addition to the list of missing persons, the page offers a help map and a section with hospitals and care centers in the affected areas.

Limitations and guidance for contacting authorities

Although the tool facilitates the dissemination and monitoring of cases, it does not replace official agencies. In the terms of use, it is clear that “Colombia te busca” does not replace authorities, judicial bodies, rescue entities or official emergency lines. Therefore, the public is advised to contact simultaneously the National Police (112), the Colombian Red Cross (132), Civil Defense (144), the Firefighters (119) and the general emergency line (123).

With information from Semana.