The death toll from the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia has risen to 224, according to EL PAÍS. The quake, reported on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, has prompted ongoing search and rescue operations in affected areas.
EL PAÍS reports that the figure of 224 deaths marks a significant increase from earlier counts as emergency teams continue to assess the damage. The earthquake's impact has been felt across multiple regions, with rescue crews working to locate survivors amid the rubble.
In Pereira, one of the hardest-hit cities, communication breakdowns are hampering relief efforts. El Periódico reports that residents are struggling to reach loved ones, with one person quoted as saying, "People are isolated in Pereira, we don't know if they are missing." The lack of connectivity is complicating efforts to account for all those affected.
A separate report from elDiario.es describes a couple found embracing beneath the debris, highlighting the human toll of the disaster. Hours of rescue work have been underway in the city, with emergency personnel facing challenging conditions to reach those trapped.
The earthquake has also drawn international attention. Spanish media outlet Lecturas reports that King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain have cut short their vacation to express solidarity with Colombia, stating, "We accompany from the heart those who have lost a loved one."
El Mundo has noted that the disaster raises questions about Colombia's preparedness for seismic events, suggesting that the risk is partly a matter of construction and urban planning. The article points to the broader issue of how buildings and infrastructure are designed to withstand earthquakes.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are expected to provide updated casualty figures. The focus remains on locating survivors and restoring communication links in affected areas, while the longer-term conversation about building resilience is likely to follow.
