Explanatory
The numbers are available to request assistance, report injured or trapped persons, and alert about infrastructure damage.
Earthquake August 10, 2026
Photo: EL TIEMPO
JOURNALIST
10.08.2026 13:44 Updated: 10.08.2026 13:56
Following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake recorded on Monday morning, which was felt in various regions of Colombia as well as in Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, authorities recommended going to official channels to report emergencies, request rescues, and communicate possible infrastructure damages. Also, authorities invite people to stay informed only through official channels and not to fall for misinformation generated on social media or platforms like WhatsApp.
Earthquake August 10
Photo: SGC
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Colombia has different telephone lines dedicated to emergency situations. If you need help, these are the emergency numbers in Colombia:
123 SOS: Police, Firefighters, Ambulance, Civil Defense.
119 Bogotá Firefighters.
125 Ambulances.
112 National Police.
132 Red Cross.
144 Civil Defense.
111 Disaster Response.
127 Traffic Police.
126 Highway Police.
165/147 Gaula (anti-kidnapping).
These channels can be used to report injured persons, affected structures, fires, rescues, and other situations related to a seismic event. Also, the Colombian Red Cross has activated the Family Links Protection program to listen to and guide Colombians who lost contact with loved ones after the earthquake recorded this Monday. Those who have no information about the whereabouts of a family member or acquaintance can contact the email rcf@cruzrojacolombiana.org or the cell phone 3212139525.
The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) has a network of 339 seismic stations strategically distributed across the national territory. This infrastructure allows for continuous monitoring of seismic and volcanic activity and provides information about these phenomena.
Earthquake August 10, 2026
Photo: EL TIEMPO
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Asocapitales reported that it maintains communication with mayors and their teams to gather information related to victims, structural damages, critical infrastructure, and priority needs. The organization stated that the follow-up is led by the president of Asocapitales and Bogotá mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, with the purpose of coordinating the capacities of the 32 cities and facilitating the arrival of teams and support to the areas that need it. For this follow-up, Asocapitales activated the contact line 3007616647.
Web site activated to locate missing persons
A group of Colombians also activated the website Colombia te busca, a platform created to share information that facilitates the location of missing persons after the earthquake. Through this space, family members can post photographs, age, place of disappearance, and other relevant data, as well as leave contact information to facilitate the search process. So far, the platform has over 270 reported missing persons.
Earthquake August 10, 2026
Photo: EL TIEMPO
How to act during an earthquake?
Follow these recommendations in case of seismic activity or earthquake
Evacuate if:
The building shows damage or there is a risk of collapse.
It is in a construction with structural deficiencies and has a safe exit.
It has direct access to the outside.
Conversely, if you are in a building with more than six floors, moving during the earthquake can be difficult and dangerous. First, protect yourself and evacuate once the movement has ended.
When evacuating, keep in mind:
Use stairs and never the elevator.
Follow established evacuation routes.
Carry the emergency kit.
Go to the meeting point.
Should I stay or evacuate?
The decision depends on where you are.
If you are in a seismically resistant building or on a high floor, stay inside during the movement and apply the protection maneuver:
Drop. Protect yourself. Hold on.
If you cannot evacuate, seek a safe place
Move away from windows, glass, and objects that could fall.
Drop and protect your head and neck.
Take shelter under a sturdy table or desk.
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