The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck Colombia has surpassed 100 people, according to Russian news agency Интерфакс. The agency reported the updated casualty figure on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, citing ongoing assessments of the disaster's impact.
Interfax also published coverage of the earthquake's aftermath, describing extensive damage across the affected region. The reports indicate that hundreds of buildings were damaged or destroyed in the quake, which has been described as the strongest to hit the country in recent memory.
Additional reporting from other outlets cited by Interfax adds further detail to the scale of the destruction. One report notes that more than 130 people have been confirmed dead, a figure that exceeds the initial count. The same coverage highlights that the earthquake caused significant structural damage, including to the tallest cathedral in Colombia, which suffered visible harm.
The economic consequences are already emerging. Another report indicates that Colombia has halted its coffee exports in the wake of the disaster, a move that reflects the severity of the disruption to infrastructure and logistics. The coffee industry is a major part of the country's economy, and the suspension signals a broader impact on trade.
Eyewitness accounts collected by Euronews describe the emotional toll of the event, with residents expressing shock at seeing familiar buildings reduced to rubble. The human cost of the earthquake is evident in these firsthand reports, which paint a picture of a community grappling with sudden and widespread loss.
Rescue and recovery efforts are expected to continue in the coming days as authorities work to account for those still missing. The full extent of the damage and the final death toll remain unclear as assessments are still underway.
What to watch next: Whether the death toll rises further and how quickly Colombia can restore its coffee exports.
