Latest news in Colombia? September 13th, 2026

Key developments and news in Colombia as of September 13, 2026:

• Post-Earthquake Humanitarian & Recovery Efforts: One month after a major 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Colombia’s Disaster Risk Management unit (UNGRD) report that over 466,000 people across 16 departments remain affected. Relief operations continue to focus on hard-hit regions including Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, Chocó, and Caldas amid challenges from concurrent flooding, wildfires, and localized seismic activity. OCHA+ 1
• Shift in Firearms Regulations: The Colombian administration under President Abelardo De La Espriella recently signed a decree lifting the general suspension on civilian gun-carry permits, stating the measure aims to allow vetted, law-abiding citizens the right to carry while keeping strict background controls in place. Anadolu Ajansı
• Security & Illegal Mining Incidents: Authorities and environmental regulators remain on high alert following an illegal open-pit gold mine slope collapse in Policarpa (Nariño department) that left at least 13 workers dead and several injured, renewing national scrutiny on unauthorized extraction operations and their environmental and human toll. Mining.com
• Diplomatic & Bilateral Ties: High-level talks between Colombian officials and US representatives have centered on trade cooperation, economic relief following recent natural disasters, and security partnerships.
• Capital Infrastructure Works (Bogotá): The Bogotá transit and urban development agency began the scheduled dismantling of the Calle 100 with Carrera Séptima overpass as part of major regional public transit expansions, accompanied by scheduled electrical maintenance across parts of the city.