Death toll rises to over 300 after earthquake in Colombia

Bogota, Aug 18 (Prensa Latina) The number of deaths following the earthquake that struck Colombia has risen to 304, with 4,548 injured, 426 missing, and 356 rescued, according to an official source.

August 18, 2026
16:31

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) reported that the earthquake hit 472 municipalities in 15 departments (43% of the country).

To date, the UNGRD added, 123,789 families have been affected, totaling 292,043 people.

The UNGRD also reported 134,342 damaged homes, 29,554 destroyed homes, and 267 collapsed buildings. Regarding infrastructure and services, 303 health centers have been damaged, along with 3,443 educational institutions and 3,905 community centers.

Additionally, 413 roads, 86 waternets, 49 vehicular bridges, 13 pedestrian bridges, and five airports have been affected.

The losses caused by the earthquake are estimated at 30 trillion pesos (approximately US$9.58 billion at the current exchange rate), according to President Abelardo de la Espriella.

Currently, the government’s handling of the crisis is facing criticism from various sectors of the public.

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