Colombia Earthquake €8B Damage: 294 Dead, Shakira Aid Pledge

The devastating Colombia earthquake that struck on 10 August 2026 has caused at least €8 billion in economic damage, President Abelardo de la Espriella said on Monday, as the confirmed death toll climbed to 294 and nearly 27,000 homes were left in ruins. The preliminary figure, announced as rescue crews continued to reach remote villages in the department of Chocó, underscores the scale of Colombia's deadliest seismic disaster since 1999.

What happened in the Colombia earthquake?

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit at 07:34 local time with an epicenter roughly 20 km from San José del Palmar in Chocó, one of Colombia's poorest regions. The United States Geological Survey recorded a depth of 110.3 km, while the Colombian Geological Survey reported 96 km. It was the country's strongest quake in a decade and the largest since the 1979 Tumaco earthquake. Shaking was felt across western and central Colombia and in parts of Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.

Authorities confirmed 294 deaths, more than 4,100 injuries and at least 140 missing people, although unofficial lists suggest the true number of disappeared could be far higher. About two-thirds of the fatalities occurred in the cities of Cali and Pereira, where dozens of buildings collapsed. The Colombia earthquake rescue operations have been hampered by destroyed roads, landslides and armed groups blocking humanitarian access in Chocó.

Damage and economic impact: €8 billion and rising

President De la Espriella said the preliminary economic loss estimate exceeds €8 billion, driven by damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure. Nearly 27,000 homes were destroyed and tens of thousands more were damaged across 12 departments. The disaster has also cut more than 200 roads and affected at least five airports, complicating the delivery of food, water and medical supplies.

Days after taking office, De la Espriella asked US President Donald Trump to suspend American import tariffs on Colombian goods to help the battered economy recover. "This is not a time for tariffs; it is a time for solidarity," the president said in a televised address. International pledges have already exceeded $1.3 billion, including $200 million from the World Bank and $300 million from the Inter-American Development Bank.

Shakira pledges to rebuild schools in Chocó

Colombian pop star Shakira made a surprise visit to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, on Sunday, touring damaged schools and meeting displaced families. She pledged to help rebuild at least 10 schools and restore a local technological university, working with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and her own Fundación Pies Descalzos.

"What worries me most is that the schools will not be rebuilt once this emergency is over," Shakira told journalists. "Every day that children don't go to school is a day they miss out on their future." Additional pledges include $500,000 each from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and Live Nation, plus $250,000 from CAF Development Bank. The Shakira Colombia earthquake relief effort has drawn support from fellow artists including Karol G, Maluma and Marc Anthony.

Political fallout: housing minister under fire

Meanwhile, Colombia's newly appointed Housing Minister Jaime Andrés Beltrán faces a motion of censure after photos and videos emerged showing him on a beach in Santa Marta just days after the quake. Opposition lawmaker Alejandro Toro said Congress must determine whether Beltrán, who had led the ministry for only ten days, neglected his duties during the emergency.

Beltrán defended himself on social media, insisting he was not on vacation. "I spent a few hours with my wife and children, whom I had not seen for days," he wrote on X. The controversy has intensified scrutiny of the Colombia government earthquake response as thousands of survivors continue sleeping outdoors on mattresses.

FAQ: Colombia earthquake 2026

What was the magnitude of the Colombia earthquake?

The earthquake measured 7.4 on the moment magnitude scale, according to the USGS, making it Colombia's strongest quake in a decade.

How many people died in the 2026 Colombia earthquake?

At least 294 people were confirmed dead as of 17 August 2026, with more than 4,100 injured and over 140 still missing.

How much economic damage did the Colombia earthquake cause?

President Abelardo de la Espriella said preliminary damage estimates exceed €8 billion, mainly from destroyed homes, buildings and infrastructure.

What did Shakira pledge after the Colombia earthquake?

Shakira pledged to help rebuild at least 10 schools in Chocó and restore a local technological university, partnering with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

Where was the epicenter of the Colombia earthquake?

The epicenter was about 20 km from San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, at a depth of roughly 110 km.