The US Geological Survey recorded the first earthquake near Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province at a depth of about 12.6 kilometres. The second, measuring magnitude 6.6, struck near Río Grande later the same day.

More than 45 aftershocks were reported as shaking affected central Panama and other areas. The tremors damaged buildings and roads, disrupted electricity in several provinces and prompted authorities to inspect public infrastructure.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said no deaths had been documented by Friday evening. Reports of injuries and structural damage emerged as assessments continued, so the casualty situation remained subject to official updates.

Buildings and roads damaged

Damage was reported in Herrera, Veraguas, Los Santos and other parts of central Panama. Some structures partially collapsed, while cracks appeared in roads and buildings. Historic sites, including the Church of San Atanasio, were also reported damaged.

Authorities began inspections to determine the extent of the damage and whether affected structures could be safely occupied. Visible cracks or partial collapses do not automatically establish that a building is unsafe; those decisions require assessment by qualified officials or engineers.

The earthquakes prompted people to leave buildings and seek safer locations. Officials continued evaluating affected areas as aftershocks followed the main tremors.

The number of aftershocks alone does not establish that a larger earthquake is imminent. Residents should follow official emergency instructions and avoid damaged buildings until authorities declare them safe.

Airport temporarily suspends operations

Tocumen International Airport, Panama’s main international aviation hub, temporarily suspended operations during the emergency before reopening. The disruption prompted concerns about passenger movements and flight schedules while authorities assessed conditions.

The Panama Canal Authority said canal operations continued normally. The canal, a critical route for international shipping, remained operational while safety checks focused on personnel, vessels and facilities.

The distinction is important: the earthquake caused temporary disruption at the airport, but available information did not indicate that the Panama Canal had been closed.

Passengers were advised to check directly with airlines for current schedules and possible changes, as transport conditions can change during post-earthquake inspections.

Tsunami alerts lifted

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake triggered tsunami warnings and alerts for parts of the Pacific coast, including areas in Central and South America. Authorities subsequently lifted the warnings after assessments found that the threat no longer warranted them.

The US tsunami warning system later reported that no tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat remained in effect for the event.

The lifting of the alerts ended the immediate tsunami warning, but it did not remove the need for continued monitoring of earthquake-related damage and aftershocks.

Emergency response continues

The earthquakes affected a country that serves as a major international transport and logistics centre. The Panama Canal remained open, but the damage to buildings, roads and electricity infrastructure highlighted the broader emergency response required beyond the immediate earthquake zone.

Authorities continued to assess damaged structures and public infrastructure. The final impact would depend on the results of inspections, reports from affected communities and any additional damage caused by subsequent shaking.

The US Geological Survey’s earthquake records provide the principal measurements for the two major tremors. Its reviewed record places the first earthquake at magnitude 7.7 and the second at magnitude 6.6. Preliminary estimates and reports can change as seismic data are reviewed, so the latest official measurements should be used.

For residents, the immediate priorities are to follow civil-protection instructions, stay away from damaged structures and monitor official updates. For travellers, airport reopening should not be taken as confirmation that every flight is operating normally.

The emergency response now centres on confirming the full extent of the damage, checking infrastructure and maintaining public safety while aftershocks continue.

Reporting Credit: U.S. Geological Survey; Panama National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC); Panama Canal Authority; Tocumen International Airport.

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The government approved 4.1 billion baht, about $122 million, in emergency assistance on Sept. 29 for people affected by flooding that began in mid-September. The Interior Ministry was tasked with distributing the funds nationwide.

The scale of the disaster has continued to grow beyond the figures available when the emergency funding was announced. The latest nationwide Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation data that could be independently verified reported 3,352,395 people affected across 30 provinces and Bangkok, with 1,177,404 households affected as of Oct. 1.

The same DDPM report recorded 24 deaths linked to the flooding. The figures include deaths reported in Bangkok and several provinces, including Samut Prakan, Sa Kaeo and Chanthaburi.

The government has nevertheless said the overall situation is beginning to improve.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Oct. 2 that flood conditions were improving as authorities increased assistance in critically affected areas. He directed provincial governments and other agencies to maintain personnel, equipment, food, temporary shelters and other emergency resources in preparation for another period of heavy rainfall.

That preparation has become an immediate concern as the new weather system arrives.

Heavy rain risk returns

The Thai Meteorological Department’s Oct. 3 seven-day forecast warned that Oct. 4–7 would bring thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy to very heavy rain to parts of the country.

The forecast calls for heavier rainfall to affect northern and northeastern areas initially before shifting toward the Central region, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, as well as the East. Accumulated rainfall could create flash-flood and runoff risks, particularly around waterways, foothills and low-lying areas.

The latest TMD advisory, issued at 5 a.m. on Oct. 4, identified particularly heavy rain risks for parts of central and northern Thailand on Oct. 5, while Bangkok and nearby provinces are also expected to experience heavy rain on Oct. 5 and 6.

The forecast does not mean renewed widespread flooding is certain. It does, however, leave authorities facing a new rainfall risk while some communities are still dealing with floodwater and recovery operations.

Recovery continues as water remains a concern

The government has been coordinating drainage, relief distribution and assistance for affected communities as water levels change across different regions.

Earlier government reporting showed that some Bangkok communities remained significantly flooded even after rainfall eased, while authorities continued monitoring river levels in parts of central and eastern Thailand.

The situation has also remained fluid outside the capital. On Oct. 3, the DDPM issued a flood warning for three districts in Chachoengsao after the Bang Pakong River rose above its banks, urging residents in riverside communities to move belongings to higher ground and prepare for possible evacuation if water levels increased rapidly.

In Samut Songkhram, high tides and river overflow were also contributing to flooding, while the Royal Irrigation Department prepared additional equipment to accelerate drainage.

These developments illustrate why the government’s recovery effort is continuing even as conditions improve in other locations.

Emergency funding is part of a broader response

The 4.1 billion-baht emergency package announced Sept. 29 is intended to provide immediate financial assistance to people affected by the floods. The government has since continued preparations for additional rainfall rather than treating the emergency as finished.

On Oct. 1, Anutin instructed authorities to prioritize severely affected areas, improve public information, assess local water-management capacity and ensure personnel and equipment were available for assistance across provincial boundaries.

The government’s response therefore has two overlapping priorities: helping communities recover from the existing floods while keeping emergency systems ready if additional rainfall causes water levels to rise again.

What remains uncertain

The nationwide impact figures should be treated according to their reporting date rather than as a real-time count.

The 3.35 million affected figure and 24 deaths are from DDPM data reported for Oct. 1. Later local flooding and additional warnings demonstrate that conditions continued to change, but a newer nationwide official casualty and affected-population total was not publicly verified for this report.

Similarly, forecasts for Oct. 4–7 describe a risk of heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding, not a confirmed new nationwide flood event.

For Thailand’s flood-affected communities, the immediate challenge is therefore no longer only emergency relief. It is the transition to recovery while authorities remain prepared for another round of heavy rain.

Reporting Credit: Thailand Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; Prime Minister’s Office / Royal Thai Government; Thai Meteorological Department; Royal Irrigation Department; provincial disaster-management authorities and official government flood-response information.

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Nepal remains in an active search, rescue, recovery and relief operation on the seventh day after the August 26 Bhote Koshi flash flood devastated communities and infrastructure across Rasuwa and downstream districts.

The latest Government of Nepal briefing reported 1,010 recovered bodies, about 4,000 people still unaccounted for and more than 11,800 people rescued. The government said the figures remain subject to further search and verification.

More than 21,000 security personnel are currently involved in search, rescue, evacuation and relief operations. Specialist tunnel-rescue teams from India, China and South Korea are working with Nepali authorities at affected hydropower projects.

Major Developments We’re Following

• Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says 1,010 bodies have been recovered.
• About 4,000 people remain unaccounted for, according to the latest government briefing.
• More than 11,800 people have been rescued, including about 324 foreign nationals.
• Approximately 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries remain missing.
• More than 21,000 Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel are deployed across affected areas.
• Specialist tunnel-rescue teams from India, China and South Korea are assisting operations at hydropower sites.
• Nepal’s police have begun a DNA-based identification process requiring first-degree relatives of missing people to provide samples.
• Nepal’s hydrological authorities continue monitoring rivers and warning conditions as the monsoon remains active.

What We Know

• Disaster: Bhote Koshi flash flood and associated debris flows
• Initial event: August 26, 2026
• Primary affected area: Rasuwa
• Main river systems: Bhote Koshi and Trishuli
• Bodies recovered: 1,010
• Missing / unaccounted: About 4,000
• Rescued: More than 11,800
• Foreign nationals missing: About 590 from 39 countries
• Security personnel deployed: More than 21,000
• Hydropower rescue: Ongoing
• Body identification: Ongoing
• River monitoring: Active
• Relief operations: Ongoing
• Affected districts: Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi East, Nawalparasi West and Chitwan, among others.

What We Don’t Know

• The final death toll remains unknown.
• The exact number of missing people remains unresolved.
• Some people listed as missing may later be located.
• The number of people still inside or near damaged hydropower facilities has not been established.
• The full extent of damage to homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure remains under assessment.
• The final economic cost of the disaster has not yet been determined.
• The precise scientific sequence that triggered the flood remains under assessment.

Public Safety Information

Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology continues operating its river-monitoring and warning systems. Its September 1 monitoring platform shows active hydrological information and warning services.

The department reports a current 24-hour maximum rainfall of 98.8 millimetres at Dandaswara and continues monitoring river levels across the country.

The Government of Nepal has repeatedly advised residents and response personnel to rely on official warnings and verified information as river and weather conditions change.

JournosNews should reproduce specific evacuation or emergency instructions only when issued by the relevant Nepalese authority.

Live Updates

August 31, 13:30 UTC — Government Expands International Rescue Coordination

Nepal continued coordinating specialized international assistance for search, rescue and relief operations.

The Government of Nepal said it particularly required technical assistance involving tunnel rescue, forensic identification, DNA testing, LiDAR, high-capacity drones, temporary bridges and equipment for preserving recovered remains.

August 31, 14:30 UTC — Search Focuses on Hydropower Projects

Search teams continued concentrating on hydropower facilities in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, where hundreds of workers remained unaccounted for.

NDRRMA had previously listed 933 people associated with hydropower projects as missing, although subsequent verification has changed the number as authorities reconcile attendance and rescue records.

August 31, 15:30 UTC — Tunnel Rescue Operations Continue

Nepali and international teams continued clearing mud, water and debris from hydropower tunnels.

At Upper Trishuli-3A, rescuers were working through a heavily obstructed tunnel system. At Chilime and Langtang Khola, teams were also attempting to reach areas where workers remained unaccounted for.

August 31, 16:30 UTC — Nepal Army Reports 279 Hydropower Workers Rescued

The Nepal Army reported that 279 people had been rescued from hydropower projects affected by the flood.

The largest group was rescued from Upper Trishuli-I, while other rescues were conducted at Mailung Khola, Rasuwagadhi, Upper Trishuli-III B, Trishuli, Devighat and other facilities.

August 31, 17:30 UTC — Three More Bodies Recovered From Hydropower Tunnels

Rescue teams recovered three bodies from two hydropower tunnels during ongoing operations.

The discovery came as specialist teams continued working through mud-filled tunnel systems where access remains severely restricted.

August 31, 18:30 UTC — 903 Bodies and 4,247 Missing in Latest NDRRMA Assessment

NDRRMA’s August 31 assessment reported 903 recovered bodies, 4,247 people missing and 10,451 people rescued.

The assessment also reported 411 rescue and relief flights and more than 20,800 security personnel deployed.

These figures were later superseded by the September 1 government briefing, which reported 1,010 recovered bodies and about 4,000 still unaccounted for. The change should be treated as an updated official assessment, not a JournosNews correction.

August 31, 19:30 UTC — DNA Identification Process Expanded

The Government of Nepal published guidance asking families of missing people to provide fresh blood samples from a first-degree relative to assist DNA identification.

The Nepal Police said the samples will be compared with DNA profiles obtained from recovered bodies or human remains.

August 31, 20:30 UTC — Communications Restoration Continues

Nepal continued restoring communications infrastructure damaged by the flood.

Government reporting said Nepal Telecom had restored all 110 damaged towers, while 75 of Ncell’s 78 damaged towers had returned to operation.

August 31, 21:30 UTC — Relief Materials Continue Moving Into Affected Areas

Government agencies continued transporting food and relief supplies into Rasuwa, Nuwakot and other affected areas.

NDRRMA reported that relief shipments were being moved by road and helicopter as damaged infrastructure continued to complicate access.

September 1, 00:30 UTC — Search Operations Continue Overnight

Search teams continued working at hydropower facilities and downstream locations as authorities sought to locate missing people and recover additional remains.

The Nepal Army continued working with specialist teams from India, China and South Korea at selected tunnel sites.

September 1, 02:00 UTC — Temporary Access Routes Support Rescue Operations

Nepalese authorities and international partners continued work to restore transportation links and reach isolated areas.

Reuters reported that temporary bridges and heavy equipment were being used to reopen routes and support rescue and relief operations.

September 1, 03:30 UTC — Hydropower Tunnel Searches Continue

Rescue teams entered multiple tunnels to search for workers still unaccounted for.

At Chilime, Langtang and Upper Trishuli-I, teams advanced into tunnel systems but had not yet completed the searches.

September 1, 04:30 UTC — International Rescue Assistance Expands

South Korea announced that it would send a 44-member emergency relief team to Nepal following a formal request from the Nepalese government.

The team includes personnel from South Korea’s Foreign Ministry and fire agency and is expected to support search-and-rescue operations in Rasuwa.

September 1, 05:30 UTC — More Than 1,000 Bodies Recovered

The Government of Nepal’s latest Foreign Ministry briefing reported that 1,010 bodies had been recovered.

The ministry said about 4,000 people remained unaccounted for and emphasized that casualty and missing-person figures were still being updated as search and verification continued.

September 1, 06:00 UTC — More Than 11,800 People Rescued

The latest government briefing reported that more than 11,800 people had been rescued, including approximately 324 foreign nationals.

The government said the rescue operation remained active across the affected areas.

September 1, 06:30 UTC — About 590 Foreign Nationals Remain Missing

Nepal’s Foreign Ministry reported that approximately 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries remained missing.

The ministry’s Emergency Control Room continues coordinating with diplomatic missions, families and Nepalese authorities to verify information and assist with identification and repatriation.

September 1, 07:00 UTC — More Than 21,000 Security Personnel Deployed

The Government of Nepal said a unified force of more than 21,000 Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel is engaged in search, rescue, evacuation and relief operations.

The deployment covers affected communities, hydropower facilities and other areas requiring emergency assistance.

September 1, 07:30 UTC — Specialist Tunnel Teams Continue Work

The Foreign Ministry said 24 Indian specialists in two teams and nine Chinese specialists were deployed at affected hydropower sites, with a South Korean team also present.

Indian teams are working with the Nepal Army at Chilime and Langtang, while a Chinese team is coordinating with Nepali forces at Upper Trishuli-3A.

September 1, 08:00 UTC — Forensic Assistance Expanded

An 18-member Indian forensic team specializing in DNA analysis has been working with Nepalese authorities since August 29.

The Foreign Ministry said a four-person Chinese forensic team was expected to arrive on September 1 and that Nepal was also coordinating with Singapore over a Disaster Victim Identification team.

September 1, 08:30 UTC — Government Requests Specialized Equipment

Nepal has requested specialized equipment including LiDAR systems, temporary bridges, freezers, DNA-testing kits, load carriers, human-remains bags, high-capacity drones and genetic sequencing equipment.

The requests reflect the shift from immediate rescue toward increasingly complex recovery, identification and access operations.

September 1, 09:00 UTC — Damage Assessment Continues

The Government of Nepal said authorities were assessing damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure.

A broader Post-Disaster Needs Assessment is expected to provide a clearer picture of overall damage, losses and long-term recovery requirements.

September 1, 10:00 UTC — Hydrological Monitoring Remains Active

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology continues monitoring rainfall and river conditions across Nepal.

Its September 1 system shows active warning and hydrological-monitoring services, with a reported 24-hour maximum rainfall of 98.8 millimetres at Dandaswara.

September 1, 11:00 UTC — Nepal Police Continues Body Management

Nepal Police continued documenting recovered remains and coordinating identification.

Police have also published information on unidentified people and requested DNA samples from families of missing persons to support formal identification.

September 1, 12:00 UTC — Relief Operations Continue

Food, medical supplies and other relief materials continued moving into affected communities.

The Government of Nepal said assistance from international partners was being coordinated according to specific requirements identified on the ground rather than through a general request for unrestricted assistance.

September 1, 13:14 UTC — Current Situation

Nepal remains in an active search, recovery and relief phase on the seventh day after the Bhote Koshi flood.

The latest Government of Nepal briefing reports 1,010 recovered bodies, about 4,000 people still unaccounted for and more than 11,800 rescued. More than 21,000 security personnel remain deployed, while specialist teams continue searching hydropower tunnels and forensic teams work to identify recovered remains.

Emergency Response

The Government of Nepal continues to lead the national response, with the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, local governments, medical teams and humanitarian organizations operating across affected areas.

The government is coordinating specialized international assistance from India, China, South Korea and other partners for tunnel rescue, forensic identification, emergency equipment and relief logistics.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Emergency Control Room continues assisting with foreign-national cases, while diplomatic missions are helping verify information and coordinate with families.

Humanitarian Response

UNICEF says 17,000 children require urgent humanitarian assistance following the flooding. Roads and bridges have been destroyed, while water, health and telecommunications infrastructure has been damaged.

The WFP and other humanitarian organizations continue supporting food, logistics and emergency relief operations. A dedicated humanitarian response is also being coordinated through the United Nations and Nepalese authorities.

Infrastructure and Recovery

The government says damage assessments are underway for houses, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure.

A full Post-Disaster Needs Assessment has not yet been completed, so any current reconstruction-cost estimate should be treated as preliminary rather than a final figure.

Scientific Assessment

The precise chain of events that caused the August 26 flood remains under scientific assessment.

Earlier scientific and humanitarian assessments identified a sudden surge entering the Bhote Koshi from the Tibet side and investigated high-altitude ice-rock processes. JournosNews should continue describing the exact trigger as under investigation unless a competent scientific authority establishes a final cause.

What Changed During This 24-Hour Window

Recovered bodies:
903 → 1,010

Missing / unaccounted:
4,247 → about 4,000

Rescued:
10,451 → more than 11,800

Security personnel:
20,899 → more than 21,000

Foreign nationals missing:
Approximately 590 from 39 countries

These changes represent evolving official assessments and verification. They should not be described as JournosNews corrections.

Reporting Credit: Government of Nepal — National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force — search, rescue and recovery operations; Department of Hydrology and Meteorology — rainfall, river monitoring and warnings; WHO, UNICEF, WFP, ICIMOD and IFRC — humanitarian and scientific assessments.

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President Abelardo de la Espriella called the National Committee for Disaster Management into action. He is coordinating the response with Javier Pava Sánchez, acting director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, or UNGRD.

Pava is leading operations from the National Crisis Room.

Initial reports indicate possible impacts in nine municipalities in Chocó. Authorities also reported possible damage in eight municipalities in Caldas, two in Valle del Cauca and two in Risaralda. Several municipalities in Quindío are also under assessment.

Officials said the full extent of the damage remains unclear.

Search-and-rescue teams deployed

Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara said four Urban Search and Rescue, or USAR, teams have been activated.

The teams come from Bogotá, Envigado, Yopal and Medellín. They will support search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.

Bogotá has also offered machinery and specialized rescue equipment. Meanwhile, Antioquia has offered aircraft to support operations where needed.

Vice President José Manuel Restrepo and Housing Minister Jaime Andrés Beltrán Martínez are also monitoring the response.

They are receiving updates from governors and mayors in affected areas.

National Crisis Room coordinates response

The National Crisis Room remains active under UNGRD coordination.

The center is collecting reports from local authorities. It is also helping direct resources through Colombia’s National Disaster Risk Management System.

Meanwhile, local authorities are checking homes, infrastructure and communities for damage.

These assessments will help officials identify the most urgent needs.

Authorities continue damage assessments

The government said its immediate priority is to determine the scale of the damage.

Officials are also working to address urgent needs and provide support to affected communities.

However, authorities have not yet released a complete assessment of the earthquake’s impact.

The UNGRD continues to coordinate with local and regional authorities. It will provide further official updates as teams complete their field assessments.

For now, the government response remains focused on search and rescue, damage assessment and support for communities affected by the earthquake.

Reporting credit: Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD), Colombia.
Source: Official government emergency-response information provided by the UNGRD.

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The earthquake affected several cities, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales, and was felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter about 5 kilometers east of San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, roughly 400 kilometers west of Bogotá, at a depth of about 107 kilometers.

The disaster has created a major search-and-rescue and humanitarian challenge, particularly in Chocó, where mountainous terrain, dense jungle and limited transportation infrastructure can make access difficult. Communications outages in parts of the region have also complicated efforts to assess the full extent of the damage.

Rescue operations continue in damaged cities

In Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, residents and rescue workers searched through collapsed structures, moving concrete and debris through lines of volunteers.

The city’s local government said people remained trapped in some of the 380 buildings reported damaged. Families also began registering missing relatives through digital databases, with one database listing more than 1,400 people by Monday afternoon, primarily from Cali and Pereira.

Local authorities reported at least 40 deaths in Risaralda, where Pereira is located, and 27 in Valle del Cauca, where Cali is located, including three children. Nine deaths were reported in Chocó, two in Caldas and one involving a 73-year-old person in Antioquia. The locations of the remaining 32 deaths were not immediately clear.

The continuing search for missing people means the casualty figures could change as emergency crews gain access to damaged buildings and isolated communities.

Remote Chocó region complicates assessment

The earthquake’s epicenter was near San José del Palmar, a community of about 4,800 people in the mountainous Chocó region. The area is among Colombia’s poorer regions and includes communities that can be reached only by boat or aircraft.

Authorities reported injuries and structural damage in Chocó but had limited information about the broader impact. Phone service was unavailable in parts of Quibdó, the regional capital, further restricting communication with affected communities.

San José del Palmar has no airport and sits along a mountain ridge on the highway connecting Cali and Pereira. The geography and limited infrastructure could make it difficult for emergency agencies to reach some communities and establish the full scale of the disaster.

Colombia’s Geological Service said the earthquake was the country’s strongest recorded in the 21st century. The quake was followed by 21 smaller aftershocks, according to the agency.

The epicenter lies within Colombia’s Pacific region, part of the broader Pacific Ring of Fire, where seismic activity is common. Earthquakes above magnitude 6 are comparatively rare in central and western Colombia.

Damage reported across major cities

Cali suffered widespread structural damage as buildings collapsed and residents moved into the streets. Rescue workers continued searching rubble for people who may have been trapped.

Pereira, in Colombia’s coffee-producing region, also reported extensive damage. Local media footage showed parts of the airport ceiling falling as travelers sought shelter, while collapsed stores, homes and residential buildings were reported across the city.

Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar told local radio that at least 15 buildings had collapsed and that people were feared trapped inside.

In Manizales, one of the towers of the city’s neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed onto the nave. Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas urged residents to remain outside because of the possibility of additional shaking.

Authorities suspended flights at airports in Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura and Pereira while damage assessments were carried out.

The earthquake was also felt outside Colombia, including in Ecuador and Panama, extending the reach of the seismic event beyond the areas where the most severe damage was reported.

International assistance offered after quake

The earthquake came shortly after de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president, making the disaster one of the first major tests of his administration’s emergency response.

The president said he had taken personal charge of the government’s response as authorities coordinated search-and-rescue operations, medical assistance, emergency support and recovery funding.

The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency assistance for shelter, food and other earthquake-response needs, according to the U.S. State Department. Governments across Latin America also offered assistance.

The international response could become increasingly important if additional casualties are discovered or if isolated communities remain cut off from government services.

For now, rescue teams are continuing to search damaged structures while authorities assess infrastructure, restore communications and determine the needs of affected communities. The number of missing people and the condition of remote areas remain among the key uncertainties as Colombia’s emergency response continues.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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Guatemala’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) said eruptive activity has gradually declined since the volcano became more active on Monday. However, officials cautioned that a tropical wave approaching from the east could produce intense rainfall capable of triggering lahars—fast-moving mixtures of volcanic ash, mud, rocks and water that can rapidly travel down river valleys and cause widespread destruction.

Emergency officials urged residents to continue following evacuation orders and official safety instructions despite the reduction in volcanic activity.

Authorities Maintain Monitoring Despite Improving Conditions

CONRED said some residents evacuated between Monday and Tuesday have voluntarily returned to their homes, but emphasized that the volcano remains active and conditions can change quickly.

Authorities said continuous monitoring will remain in place as weather conditions evolve and emergency teams assess the risk of additional volcanic hazards.

More Than 1,700 Residents Were Evacuated

About 1,700 people from at least 18 communities surrounding Fuego were evacuated after the eruption began Monday.

Officials reported that no fatalities or significant property damage had been confirmed as of Wednesday.

Images from the area showed intermittent ash emissions throughout the day. During the height of the eruption, lava fountains reached approximately 300 meters (984 feet), prompting authorities to declare red alerts, close a major highway and suspend classes in the departments of Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez.

Rainfall Now Presents the Greatest Threat

Emergency officials said the primary hazard has shifted from eruptive activity to the possibility that heavy rain could remobilize accumulated volcanic ash and debris.

Lahars remain among the most dangerous secondary hazards following volcanic eruptions because they can rapidly sweep through valleys and river channels long after explosive activity has diminished.

Authorities said communities located downstream from the volcano should remain vigilant until weather conditions improve.

One of Central America’s Most Active Volcanoes

Fuego rises approximately 3,768 meters (12,360 feet) above sea level and is one of Central America’s most active stratovolcanoes.

Located about 53 kilometers (33 miles) southwest of Guatemala City, the volcano spans the departments of Escuintla, Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquez and experiences frequent eruptive episodes.

2018 Disaster Remains a Stark Reminder

The latest eruption has revived memories of Fuego’s catastrophic eruption on June 3, 2018, when fast-moving pyroclastic flows devastated nearby communities, killing hundreds of people and affecting an estimated 1.7 million residents.

Another period of heightened volcanic activity last year also prompted precautionary evacuations, highlighting the persistent risk faced by communities living on the volcano’s slopes.

Authorities said they will continue monitoring volcanic activity and weather conditions while urging residents to remain alert and follow official guidance until the risk from lahars and other volcanic hazards has fully subsided.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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About 1,700 evacuees remained in temporary shelters after being displaced by the eruption, according to Guatemala’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED). Officials said residents would not be allowed to return home until volcanic activity subsides and safety assessments are completed.

Authorities declared a red alert in the departments of Sacatepéquez, Escuintla and Chimaltenango, where ashfall has affected an estimated 29,000 people. Schools remained closed in impacted communities, and emergency agencies said the next 72 hours will be critical.

Rain Threatens to Intensify Volcanic Hazards

CONRED warned that lahars—fast-moving volcanic mudflows made of ash, rock and water—continue moving down the volcano’s slopes, with some extending up to 7 kilometers (4.3 miles).

Forecasters expect rainfall to increase over the coming days, raising the risk that additional mudflows could develop and threaten nearby communities.

Although the lahars had not reached populated areas by Tuesday, authorities urged residents to remain alert and follow official evacuation instructions if conditions change.

CONRED Executive Secretary Claudinne Ogaldes advised residents to cover water storage containers to prevent ash contamination and wear face masks to reduce exposure to volcanic ash.

Evacuations Continue as Ashfall Spreads

The eruption began Monday morning, producing towering columns of ash and volcanic gas while lava and pyroclastic flows descended the volcano’s slopes.

Volcanic activity continued Tuesday, generating additional ash emissions and mudflows.

Among those evacuated were about 250 residents from the community of El Porvenir and the nearby settlement of Las Lajitas. Officials also warned that changing winds could carry volcanic ash into additional surrounding communities.

As a precaution, authorities closed National Route 14, one of the main highways passing near the volcano, while the Education Ministry suspended classes in affected areas.

Fuego Remains One of Central America’s Most Active Volcanoes

Fuego, also known as the Volcano of Fire, is one of Central America’s most active and dangerous volcanoes, producing frequent eruptions that threaten nearby communities.

Its most devastating recent eruption occurred in June 2018, when fast-moving pyroclastic flows overwhelmed villages on the volcano’s slopes, killing hundreds of people. Another eruption last year also prompted precautionary evacuations.

Emergency officials continue monitoring the volcano around the clock, saying weather conditions and rainfall will play a critical role in determining how the situation develops over the coming days.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island, on Tuesday, killing 38 people and injuring 114, according to prefectural authorities. Officials said one person died from apparent heat stroke while sheltering inside a vehicle after the quake, while another death remains under investigation.

Heat and Water Shortages Hamper Recovery

Extreme summer temperatures have added to the challenges facing thousands of displaced residents.

More than 46,000 households remained without running water on Monday, while several communities also reported fuel shortages.

The Japan Meteorological Agency forecast temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), raising concerns about dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

More than 8,500 people continued to stay in evacuation centers, including schools, community halls and gymnasiums. Many of the facilities lack air conditioning. Others have chosen to sleep in parked vehicles or outside damaged homes.

Residents spent the day clearing debris, damaged furniture and household appliances as local authorities organized waste collection. Construction of temporary housing also began in the towns of Uki and Hikawa, while hotels and inns opened additional rooms for evacuees.

Disaster experts have long warned that overcrowded shelters and limited sanitation can increase health risks following major earthquakes.

Prime Minister Promises Additional Support

Prime Minister Takaichi toured the disaster zone by military helicopter before visiting an evacuation center equipped with air conditioning, cardboard beds and privacy partitions.

Images of the visit prompted criticism on social media, with some users arguing that many shelters across Kumamoto lack similar facilities.

During a meeting with the prime minister, Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura highlighted the severe heat affecting displaced residents and requested additional government assistance to improve conditions at evacuation centers.

He cited shortages of clean water and medical services as immediate priorities.

Takaichi said the government would review the requests and move quickly to provide additional support where needed.

Shopping Mall Explosion Under Scrutiny

Questions also continued to surround the explosion at a collapsed shopping mall that claimed several lives after the earthquake.

Habita, a retailer operating inside Aeon Mall in Kashima, acknowledged that it had instructed two employees who later died to return to the building and place sales proceeds into a safe if conditions allowed.

Company executives attended the wake of 22-year-old employee Kurumi Otake on Sunday and apologized to her family.

Sales manager Goji Yuse confirmed the instruction had been given before the explosion.

“I wish someone had stopped her. My daughter is not coming back,” Otake’s mother told company representatives.

Mall officials believe a gas leak caused the explosion after about 3,000 shoppers had already evacuated the building. Some employees, however, remained inside.

Rescue teams later pulled five survivors from the debris and recovered the bodies of seven victims.

Recovery Effort Continues

Authorities said the earthquake destroyed about 700 homes and damaged more than 11,300 buildings across Kumamoto Prefecture.

Emergency crews continue restoring essential services while local governments expand temporary housing and support thousands of residents displaced by one of Japan’s deadliest earthquakes this year.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto area on the southern island of Kyushu, disrupting transportation, damaging critical infrastructure and forcing thousands of residents into evacuation shelters as authorities continued assessing the full extent of the disaster.

The earthquake has renewed concerns about disaster preparedness in one of the world’s most seismically active countries, where memories of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake remain strong.

Rescue Operations Continue at Damaged Sites

Soldiers and emergency responders searched multiple damaged locations, including a shopping mall in the town of Kashima where part of the building collapsed following an explosion believed to have been caused by a gas leak.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces joined rescue crews at the damaged Aeon Mall, where the collapse of the second floor trapped people inside. Authorities had not announced how many individuals might still be missing at the site.

At a factory operated by Nippon Paper Industries Co. in Yatsushiro, a collapsed chimney trapped workers beneath debris. Kumamoto emergency officials said seven people were believed to remain trapped as of Wednesday, while rescuers had recovered two survivors and two bodies.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue efforts remained the government’s highest priority and urged emergency personnel to continue searching for survivors.

“There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time,” Takaichi said.

Thousands Remain Without Essential Services

The earthquake disrupted electricity, gas and communications across parts of the affected region.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said approximately 36,900 homes remained without electricity, while about 9,500 households continued to lack gas service. Communications networks also remained unavailable in some communities.

More than 9,000 people were staying in over 500 evacuation shelters, where authorities worked to provide additional electrical power so air conditioning could operate during an ongoing heat wave. Temperatures in the region were forecast to exceed 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit).

The government said it was preparing deliveries of food, water and other essential supplies to affected communities.

Takaichi also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and urged evacuees to take precautions against heat-related illness while remaining in shelters.

Transportation and Historic Sites Sustain Damage

Transportation services remained disrupted as engineers inspected infrastructure for damage.

The Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train service remained suspended, while Aso Kumamoto Airport gradually resumed operations after one of its runways was temporarily closed for inspections. Officials warned that some flight cancellations were still possible.

Kumamoto Castle, one of the region’s best-known historical landmarks, also sustained damage, with sections of its stone walls affected by the earthquake, according to Kyodo News. The castle has been undergoing restoration work since suffering extensive damage during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.

Residents said the latest earthquake revived memories of the earlier disaster. Hiroki Shimoda, an official in Mifune town, said the shaking reminded him of the 2016 earthquake, which killed at least 50 people.

Authorities continued search-and-rescue operations while evaluating structural damage across the region, warning that the full impact of the disaster remains under assessment.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

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