The death toll from the country’s strongest earthquake this century remains disputed. On Wednesday, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared three days of national mourning for the victims of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on Monday. For that reason, for three days beginning Wednesday, the national flag will be flown at half-staff at public buildings throughout the country and at Colombia’s diplomatic missions abroad. Stringer Dispatch: Death toll from Colombia's M7.5 earthquake continues to mount pic.twitter.com/wN3LJPzmRr — CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) August 12, 2026Pope Prays for Those Affected by EarthquakeOn Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV offered his prayers for all those affected by the earthquake. On Tuesday, Leo XIV had already expressed his sorrow over the victims and material damage caused by the earthquake in Colombia in a telegram that Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin sent to Cartagena Archbishop Francisco Javier Munera.