Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:06am on 11 Aug 2026,Tuesday Weather & Environment
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has killed at least 132 people and injured more than 570 across western Colombia, with Chocó and the Coffee Axis among the worst-hit regions. Colombia’s geological service described it as the country’s strongest recorded earthquake of the 21st century. More than 1,500 homes were damaged, including 37 destroyed, while over 60 buildings, 18 health centres and 52 schools suffered damage. Pereira recorded 60 deaths, while Cali’s University Hospital was partially damaged, trapping patients. Police, firefighters, soldiers and volunteers are searching collapsed structures for survivors. Ecuador, El Salvador and Mexico have offered assistance, while the US and UN said they are ready to support Colombia. Roads and communications remain disrupted.
