Bogotá/New York, 28 August 2026 — The RAPIDA assessment, developed jointly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), in coordination with the Colombian Geological Service, the Geographic Institute Agustín Codazzi (IGAC) and the Colombian Aerospace Force, finds widespread destruction from the 7.4-magnitude earthquake of 10 August.

As of 27 August, official reports recorded 331 deaths, 4,449 people injured, 143 missing and 364 rescued following the earthquake. More than 406,000 people across nearly 193,000 families have been reported affected, while approximately more than 225,000 structures were affected, including more than 217,000 homes. Beyond tragic loss of life, the scale of damage to homes, health facilities, schools, community infrastructure and essential services is expected to result in human displacement, loss of income, interrupted access to health care and education, increased protection and care needs, and significant psychosocial and emotional impacts, particularly in Chocó and other territories already facing high levels of poverty, fragility and limited institutional capacity. These figures remain preliminary and may change as field assessments continue.

UNDP estimates USD 13.28 billion (COP 42.1 trillion) in direct physical damage to structures, equivalent to approximately 2.3 percent of Colombia’s gross domestic product. Housing accounts for USD 11.80 billion (COP 37.4 trillion) of the total, while damage to health, education and community infrastructure is estimated at USD 1.51 billion (COP 4.8 trillion).

Damage is highly concentrated. Risaralda accounts for nearly USD 4.54 billion (COP 14.4 trillion) — about one third of the national estimate — while Valle del Cauca exceeds USD 3 billion (COP 9.7 trillion). Chocó, Caldas and Quindío each record estimated structural damage above USD 1.2 billion (COP 3 trillion).

“The Government and United Nations’ rapid response, the solidarity shown by Colombian people and the support of the international community and private sector provide a strong foundation for recovery,” said Claudio Tomasi, UNDP Resident Representative in Colombia. “UNDP stands ready to accompany government institutions and affected communities in restoring services, strengthening local capacities and reducing future risks.”

A major debris-management challenge

An estimated 11.4 million people and 2.5 million structures were exposed to potentially damaging levels of shaking. UNDP identifies 27 municipalities where earthquake impacts overlap with high or very high multidimensional fragility, encompassing nearly 2.9 million exposed people.

Buenaventura, Bagadó and Quibdó face the highest combined recovery pressures. Other priority areas include El Litoral del San Juan, Bajo Baudó, Medio Baudó, Tadó and Alto Baudó in Chocó, as well as Pereira in Risaralda, and Sevilla and Trujillo in Valle del Cauca

The earthquake is estimated to have generated 16.9 million cubic metres of debris from housing, larger buildings and social infrastructure —equivalent to approximately 2.4 million full truckloads, assuming a capacity of 7 cubic metres per truck. Risaralda accounts for more than 7.5 million cubic metres — roughly half the national total — and Valle del Cauca for more than 3.8 million cubic metres.

These volumes point to an urgent need for coordinated clearance, transport, separation, recycling and safe disposal, while protecting communities and enabling roads, public spaces and essential services to reopen.

The findings are preliminary and will be refined as field information becomes available. They provide an early basis for territorial prioritization and for planning an inclusive, resilient recovery led by the Government of Colombia.

UNDP is supporting the Government of Colombia in strengthening the evidence base for decision-making and stands ready to accompany the next phases of the recovery. This includes support for a comprehensive assessment of damage, losses and human impact; technical assistance to national and local authorities for recovery planning and implementation; and coordination through the Early Recovery Working Group to help align international cooperation, private-sector engagement and financing with early recovery priorities of the most affected territories.

Media Contacts

Sharon Grobeisen, Strategic Communications Advisor, Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean I  Sharon.grobeisen@undp.org

Carlos Rivera, Communications Officer, Colombia Country Office I Carlos.rivera@undp.org