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Deadly earthquake in Colombia: over 181 dead and a government under pressure

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, causing hundreds of deaths and testing the new president.

11 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Deadly earthquake in Colombia: over 181 dead and a government under pressure — Archive photoPhoto: SSCreader · Wikimedia Commons · CC0

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit western Colombia, resulting in more than 181 deaths, according to a toll released on August 11. This earthquake is the most powerful recorded in the region in the past decade.

In the city of Medellín, an independent journalist reported that she had to run outside for safety, highlighting the severity of the situation. Scenes of panic and chaos were observed as people sought refuge.

This natural disaster poses an urgent challenge for the new far-right president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just three days before the earthquake. The United States has offered $15.5 million in aid to support relief and cleanup efforts.

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