How to beat an earthquake: The Colombian city where no one died

Live updates

1. 29d ago

   Colombia earthquake death toll mounts as rescue efforts continue

   A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The disaster has highlighted the country's varying levels of preparedness and response, with some areas faring better than others. Rescue teams are working to find survivors, but hopes are fading. The Colombian government has accepted rescue teams from only four countries.

   Why it matters

   The earthquake struck near San José del Palmar, Colombia, on August 16, 2026. The disaster has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. Colombia is prone to seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

   What is confirmed

   • A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck 5 km south of San José del Palmar, Colombia.
   • The earthquake caused widespread destruction and loss of life in Colombia.
   • The Colombian government has accepted rescue teams from only four countries.
   • Rescue teams are working to find survivors, but hopes are fading.
   • One city in Colombia reported no deaths during the earthquake.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The death toll from the earthquake continues to rise.

   What to watch next

   • Further updates on the death toll and rescue efforts
   • The Colombian government's response to criticism over its handling of the disaster
   • The impact of the earthquake on local communities and the economy
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. The Economist — A big earthquake reveals two very different Colombias
   2. The New York Times — A Bright Spot in Colombia as Rescuers Free Quake Victim
   3. AP News — Colombia’s earthquake is déjà vu for Venezuelans. The government response is anything but
   4. CNN — Colombia limits foreign rescue teams as earthquake survival window narrows
   5. NPR — Inside Colombia's big quake – and why more could be coming : Short Wave
   6. Al Jazeera — Buenaventura residents criticise state neglect after Colombia’s earthquake
   7. The Washington Post — How to beat an earthquake: The Colombian city where no one died
   8. Reuters — A tale of two buildings: how quake rescue efforts differed in Colombia and Venezuela
   9. People.com — Groom-to-Be, 24, Found Dead in Rubble of Collapsed Building Days Before His Wedding
   10. Reuters — Hopes fade in Colombia as more bodies recovered days after powerful quake
   11. cnn.com — Colombia’s earthquake tore apart this family with triplets. Only one survived
   12. USGS (.gov) — M 7.4 - 5 km S of San José del Palmar, Colombia
   confidence 90%