A 7.4-magnitude earthquake has devastated Colombia. As the death toll rises, the European Union has activated its civil protection mechanism and the Copernicus satellite system to assist in rescue efforts.
The European Union has decided to send two million euros in emergency aid to Colombia, which was hit by a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake earlier this week. The news was confirmed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who stressed that the EU is helping with all available means while search and rescue operations continue. It is worth noting that sources differ on the exact day of the earthquake: while Index.hr reports it occurred on Sunday, Colombian daily El Tiempo specifies that it was on Monday, August 10, 2026.
The earthquake, the strongest ever recorded in that South American country, had its epicenter in the town of San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó. According to data from the Colombian Geological Service (Servicio Geológico Colombiano), the ground shook at 7:34 a.m. local time, causing chaos and widespread destruction in several cities.
Two days after the disaster, casualty figures continue to rise, and data from different sources vary. According to Index.hr, at least 216 people have died, while Colombian daily El Tiempo, citing the official government tally, reports 181 dead and as many as 2,595 injured. The hardest-hit cities are Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, and Armenia.
Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella, at a press conference in Pereira on Tuesday, August 11, provided detailed figures on material damage. According to him, the earthquake destroyed 48 buildings and damaged 8,357 homes, 807 educational institutions, 85 health centers, 74 roads, 377 community centers, 16 water supply systems, and one airport. In Pereira alone, 79 people lost their lives, 278 were injured, and 37 are listed as missing.
"As search and rescue operations continue, the EU is helping Colombia with all available means," Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday, as reported by Euronews. Colombia requested aid through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which coordinates support from all 27 member states. In addition to the financial injection, the European Union has also activated its Copernicus satellite system to help rescue teams on the ground by mapping the terrain. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also expressed solidarity, saying that Europe stands with the people of Colombia.
Meanwhile, Colombian authorities are taking steps to mitigate the aftermath. President De La Espriella announced concrete economic aid for residents of the department of Risaralda, where the heavily stricken Pereira is located. "I have ordered the declaration of an economic relief measure, to approve economic aid for three months. This is a respite in this tragedy. All public services for the people of Risaralda will be free for three months," he stated.
Colombia's First Lady, Ana Lucía Pineda, explained that since Monday, August 10, they have been managing all types of aid for the supply of water, food, and medicine. Through social media, more than 30 donation collection points have been established. "We are receiving mattresses, sheets, and medicines there. We have published what is needed by the Colombian Red Cross (Cruz Roja Colombiana), to which we are grateful," Pineda said.
