Colombia Earthquake: Woman Rescued After 36 Hours | Update

A 32-year-old woman has been pulled alive from the rubble in Colombia, 36 hours after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, 10 August 2026. The Bogotá fire brigade identified the survivor as Daniela Largos Sánchez and said she was in stable condition. Rescue workers believe as many as 24 more people may still be trapped beneath the same collapsed building.

What happened in the Colombia earthquake?

The earthquake hit at 07:34 local time at a depth of about 110 kilometers, centered near San José del Palmar in Chocó department. It was Colombia's strongest earthquake in a decade and was felt across Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela. At least 224 people have been confirmed dead, more than 2,500 injured and over 4,100 missing, according to official and independent tallies. The Colombia earthquake damage assessment shows collapsed buildings in Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó and Armenia, with at least 86 structures destroyed and more than 1,575 homes damaged.

How was Daniela Largos Sánchez rescued?

Firefighters in Bogotá announced the rescue on X, sharing images of the 32-year-old being removed from the debris after 36 hours. She is doing well under the circumstances, officials said, without specifying her exact location. Teams suspect 24 people remain under the same structure and are continuing to dig on the same site.

Why the first 72 hours are critical

Disaster experts say the first 48 to 72 hours after a quake are crucial for finding survivors alive. That window can be extended slightly if trapped people have access to food and water. The successful rescue after 36 hours offers hope, but the 48-hour rescue window is closing fast as aftershocks and unstable rubble slow operations.

International aid and EU solidarity

The European Union has released 2.1 million euros in emergency funding. The European Commission said partner organizations are already on the ground providing health care, water, sanitation, hygiene items, shelter, food, protection and cash support, starting with the most vulnerable groups. The German Red Cross has allocated 100,000 euros for the immediate needs of 2,500 affected families in Chocó and Valle del Cauca.

The EU also activated its Copernicus earth observation programme to support rescue missions and map the damage. This is European solidarity, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The United States, Ecuador and France have also offered assistance.

Impact and next steps

President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national disaster and confirmed at least 2,595 people were injured. A platform where people can report missing relatives suggests the number of missing may be far higher than the official figure of 200. The disaster follows the 2026 Venezuela earthquakes that killed thousands in June, placing additional strain on regional emergency services and international donors.

FAQ

How strong was the Colombia earthquake?

The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4 and struck at 07:34 local time on 10 August 2026.

Where was the epicenter?

The epicenter was near San José del Palmar in Chocó department, western Colombia, at a depth of about 110 kilometers.

How many people died in the Colombia earthquake?

At least 224 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 2,500 injured and over 4,100 missing.

Who was rescued after 36 hours?

Daniela Largos Sánchez, a 32-year-old woman, was pulled alive from the rubble by Bogotá firefighters.

What international aid has been pledged?

The EU released 2.1 million euros, activated Copernicus, and the German Red Cross allocated 100,000 euros. The US, Ecuador and France also offered help.