A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck central Colombia on August 11, 2026, killing at least 14 people and injuring more than 100, according to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). Rescue teams are searching through rubble for survivors as the death toll is expected to rise.
Earthquake Details and Immediate Impact
The quake hit at 2:45 a.m. local time, with its epicenter near the town of Mesetas in Meta department, at a depth of 30 kilometers. The tremor was felt strongly in the capital Bogotá, causing panic among residents who fled buildings. In Mesetas, several houses collapsed, trapping families under debris. In Bogotá, at least three buildings partially collapsed, and there were reports of landslides blocking roads in mountainous areas.
UNGRD director Carlos Iván Márquez stated, "We are deploying all available resources to the affected zones. The priority is to rescue people who may still be trapped." He confirmed that 14 deaths have been recorded so far, with 102 injured, and 2,000 people displaced.
Rescue Efforts and Government Response
Rescue teams, including firefighters, military personnel, and volunteers, are using heavy machinery and sniffer dogs to search for survivors in Mesetas and surrounding villages. The Colombian Red Cross has set up temporary shelters and is providing first aid. President Gustavo Petro declared a state of emergency in the affected departments and announced that the government would provide compensation to families of the victims.
"We are working around the clock to ensure that every possible life is saved," said Márquez. The government has also sent medical teams and supplies to the region, and hospitals in Bogotá are on alert to receive the injured.
Regional Impact and Aftershocks
The earthquake was also felt in neighboring departments of Huila and Caquetá, where minor damages were reported. The Colombian Geological Service has recorded over 30 aftershocks, the largest of which had a magnitude of 4.8. Authorities have warned residents to stay away from damaged buildings and to be prepared for further tremors.
In Bogotá, the mayor's office reported that 12 buildings have been evacuated for structural assessments, and 5 schools will remain closed until further notice. The city's metro system briefly suspended service for safety checks but has since resumed operations.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but officials fear that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue. The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of Colombia's vulnerability to seismic activity, as the country lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
