Colombia quake causes $9.57 billion in losses, kills 289

August 18, 2026 / 7:57 PM

Colombian rescue teams recover bodies from a collapsed building after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in southern Cali

Sharjah 24 – AFP: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10, the country’s strongest tremor in nearly five decades, has caused an estimated $9.57 billion in economic losses, according to preliminary figures released by President Abelardo de la Espriella.

The disaster has claimed 289 lives, injured 4,187 people and left 143 others missing. Nearly 27,000 homes were destroyed, forcing many residents to sleep in streets and public parks.

Dozens of hospitals and schools were also destroyed or severely damaged, adding to the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

The disaster has become an early test for President De la Espriella, a right-wing lawyer, businessman and political newcomer who took office just three days before the earthquake.

In response, he tasked Housing Minister Jaime Andres Beltran with leading an ambitious reconstruction programme backed by the private sector.

However, the recovery effort has already sparked controversy, with Beltran facing criticism for taking a Caribbean holiday shortly after the disaster.