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Natural Disaster Alert: Colombia Earthquake Update 4 – August 14, 2026


Natural Disaster Alert: Colombia Earthquake Update 4 – August 14, 2026 – U.S. Embassy in Colombia

An official website of the United States government

Worldwide Caution: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.

Location: Countrywide

Event: An earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, August 10.

New or updated information below is indicated in bold.

We continue to monitor the situation in Colombia closely and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety.  President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the Department of State have no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans.

Departing the Affected Areas

Commercial Flights

  • Guillermo Leon Valencia Airport in Popayan is closed due to ash from nearby volcanic activity.  
  • The Matecaña International Airport in Pereira is closed to regular commercial flights due to damage from the earthquake.  If you need to leave the area, consider departing from Cali, Medellín (Rionegro), Bogotá, Armenia, Buenaventura, Cartago, Manizales, or Quibdó.  Contact your airline directly for the latest flight information.
  • El Caraño Airport in Quibdo, El Eden International Airport in Armenia, Gerardo Tovar López Airport in Buenaventura, and La Nubia Airport in Manizales are open to commercial flights, but with limited capacity.
  • Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport in Cali, José María Córdova International Airport in Rionegro (Medellín), and El Dorado International Airport in Bogota are open to commercial flights, but delays should be expected.
  • Santa Ana Airport in Cartago has resumed operations with restrictions.

 

  •  Travelers should contact their airline directly for the latest information regarding flights.

 

Overland Routes

  • The city of Pereira is restricting all private vehicle movement, both within and outside the city, until 8:00 p.m. on August 17.  Departing travelers may request a waiver from the police to leave the city by private vehicle by presenting valid flight ticket.  The restriction does not apply to Ubers, taxis, or public buses (flotillas).
  • U.S. citizens should not hail taxis on the street due to the risk of robbery and assault.  Use a licensed dispatch service or reputable ride-hailing/car service app whenever possible.  U.S. government employees are also prohibited from using street taxis or non-prearranged public transportation.  Exercise heightened caution with all modes of local transport, avoid public transportation or road travel outside cities at night where possible, and monitor local conditions closely.
  • Infrastructure throughout the affected region has been badly damaged, including roads, tunnels, and bridges.  Landslides are more likely following earthquakes, and it is common to find debris and other hazards on roadways.
  • The National Roads Institute (Invias) has teams that are evaluating the safety and operation of roads in the affected areas.  Their 24/7 information line is 601-427-9500 from within Colombia, and their chatbot is available via SMS at #767 from within Colombia for information about specific routes.  A routing application is available at https://hermes2.invias.gov.co/SIV/.
  • There are no reports of damage to roads at the land borders.
  • Land border crossings with Venezuela are open.  However, the areas on both sides of the border are designated Level 4 – Do Not Travel due to crime, kidnapping, conflict between armed groups, and the risk of detention.
  • The border with Ecuador at Ipiales is open.  Other crossings in the Amazon and along the Pacific coast are remote and extremely dangerous due to violence and the presence of drug and human trafficking groups.
  • The earthquake was felt across Colombia and in neighboring countries.
  • Colombia has declared a natural disaster and is deploying first responders to the areas most affected.
  • Colombia is currently experiencing widespread power, cell phone, and internet outages, making communicating with families and friends difficult.
  • Financial Assistance:  If you are in the affected area and experiencing financial hardship, the U.S. Embassy may be able to help through a repatriation loan.  Email ACSBogota@state.gov to find out if you qualify.
  • Actions to Take
  • Notify family and friends about your location and well-being.
  • Monitor local media for updates.
  • Follow official instructions from local authorities for recovery and assistance.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at STEP.state.gov to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
  • Follow the “U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” channel on WhatsApp and/or @USEmbassyBogota and @TravelGov on X.  
  • Ensure you have your documents easily accessible and up to date. 

Earthquake Safety

During an earthquake/aftershock

  • Shelter in place.
  • If you are inside, stay inside.
  • If you are outside, stay outside.
  • Drop to your hands and knees to protect yourself from falling. 
  • Cover your head and neck with one arm/hand; if possible, shelter under a sturdy table or desk.  Hold on until shaking stops and be ready to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.
  •  If you are a parent or caregiver of an infant or small child, hold the child against your chest and carry them with you while you protect yourself.
  •  If the child is not in reach, protect yourself first, then move to the child as soon as the shaking stops.

After an earthquake/aftershock

  • Check for injuries and provide first aid if trained.
  • Evacuate, if necessary, due to hazards like gas leaks or structural damage.
  • Do not use open-flame or gas-powered appliances due to risk of explosion from gas leaks.
  • Monitor local media for updates.
  • Follow official instructions from local authorities for recovery and assistance.

Assistance

The U.S. Embassy in Bogota is open and providing emergency passport and other emergency services to U.S. citizens, as well as regular passport services, notary services, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and Consular Reports of Death Abroad.  The Consular Agency in Barranquilla is open and providing passport acceptance, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad acceptance, and notary services.  Visa services in Bogota remain fully available.

U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444

U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia
https://co.usembassy.gov/services/contact-acs-form/
https://co.usembassy.gov

U.S. Consular Agency, Barranquilla
conagencybarranquilla@state.gov

Colombia Country Information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security updates

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