Colombia earthquake Aruban travelers experienced frightening moments as a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026, causing deadly destruction across several cities.
The earthquake occurred during Aruba’s summer vacation period, when many Aruban residents traditionally travel to Colombia with family.
Several Arubans were reportedly staying in destinations including Bogotá, Medellín and Cali when buildings began shaking.
The earthquake struck at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time and was centered near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó region.
The powerful tremor caused significant damage across western Colombia and was strongly felt in cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Bogotá.
Current reports indicate that at least 179 people have died, while thousands remain unaccounted for as search-and-rescue operations continue.
Aruban Travelers Evacuate Buildings
According to reports from Aruban travelers, the violent shaking caused people staying in hotels and other accommodations to quickly evacuate.
Some guests in Cali, Medellín and Bogotá reportedly used stairways to reach street level as buildings moved during the earthquake.
The experience created moments of panic among travelers who were unfamiliar with earthquakes of this magnitude.
No confirmed reports of deaths or serious injuries involving Aruban travelers were included in the information provided.
Widespread Damage Across Colombia
The earthquake caused extensive destruction in several parts of western Colombia.
Cali was among the cities reporting significant structural damage, while Pereira, Manizales and communities closer to the epicenter were also heavily affected.
Emergency teams continue searching damaged and collapsed buildings for people who may remain trapped.
Authorities have deployed rescue personnel, military resources and emergency teams throughout the hardest-hit areas.
The earthquake was also felt across a wide region beyond the immediate epicenter.
Government Declares Emergency
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency following meetings with national disaster-management authorities and government officials.
The declaration is intended to accelerate access to funding and resources needed for rescue, humanitarian assistance and recovery operations.
Authorities continue assessing the full scale of the damage as casualty figures and reports from remote areas are updated.
Rescue Operations Continue
Search-and-rescue operations remain active in Chocó and several cities in Colombia’s western and coffee-growing regions.
Officials and volunteers are searching collapsed structures while emergency services assist injured residents and displaced families.
International assistance has also begun arriving as Colombia responds to one of its most serious earthquakes in recent years.
For Colombia earthquake Aruban travelers, the disaster has transformed what was intended to be a vacation into an unexpected emergency.
Aruban residents currently visiting Colombia are encouraged to follow instructions from Colombian emergency authorities, avoid damaged structures and remain alert for aftershocks.
