A 7.4‑magnitude quake struck western Colombia on 12 August 2026, shaking the region for up to two minutes and triggering aftershocks for months. In the city of Pereira, a collapsed building buried a 32‑year‑old woman under four heavy concrete slabs. Rescue teams dug two tunnels—one from above to deliver oxygen, and another from below to free her. After 10 hours of work, Daniela Largo was pulled out alive, wrapped in a blue sheet and taken to an ambulance.
Official figures show that the earthquake killed at least 188 people and left hundreds missing. The city of Pereira recorded 79 deaths, the second‑highest toll after Cali, where 95 people have perished. In Cali, 87 people have been rescued so far, but more than 200 remain trapped as of midday.
Local firefighters, reinforced by personnel from Bogotá and national police, performed the difficult operation. The president—Abelardo de la Espriella—called the rescue “news that fills us with hope.” Daniela’s mother said her 12‑year‑old son was awaiting her return home.
Map imagery shows the intensity of shaking across the region: dark‑red areas near the epicentre indicate strong tremors, while surrounding cities like Boregó and Medellín show moderate shaking.
