A powerful 7.4‑magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, killing at least 111 people, injuring dozens, and causing widespread destruction across several cities. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities warning of further aftershocks.
Key Facts About the Colombia Earthquake
- Date & Time: August 10, 2026, at 7:34 AM local time
- Magnitude: 7.4 (strongest quake in Colombia this century)
- Epicenter: Near San José del Palmar, Chocó department, ~250 miles west of Bogotá
- Depth: ~107 km (USGS)
- Casualties: At least 111 confirmed dead, 87 injured, and thousands displaced; some reports suggest over 132 fatalities and 2,000 missing
- Aftershocks: More than 21 aftershocks recorded, raising fears of continued tremors
Areas Most Affected
- Risaralda (Pereira): Worst hit, with dozens of deaths and collapsed buildings.
- Cali: At least 30 buildings collapsed; hospitals disrupted; rescue teams working at multiple sites.
- Manizales: Gothic cathedral tower collapsed; several fatalities reported.
- Buenaventura: Colombia’s main Pacific port saw building collapses and casualties.
- Quibdó & Valle del Cauca: Significant structural damage and fatalities.
Government & International Response
- President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency, pledging rapid aid and reconstruction.
- The UN has offered support, coordinating with Colombia’s disaster management agency to mobilize relief efforts.
- Airports in western Colombia were temporarily closed due to damage and safety inspections.
Humanitarian Impact
- Homes & Infrastructure: Over 1,600 buildings damaged, 61 collapsed; hospitals and schools affected.
- Displacement: Thousands forced to evacuate; many remain trapped under rubble.
- Rescue Efforts: Firefighters, police, and volunteers are digging through debris by hand to save survivors.
Context & Risk Factors
- Colombia lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a highly seismic zone.
- The Chocó region, where the epicenter was located, is remote and poor, making rescue and aid delivery more difficult.
- The quake comes just weeks after devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, heightening regional anxiety.
Authorities warn that aftershocks may continue, and residents are advised to stay away from damaged structures. International aid is expected to increase in the coming days as Colombia struggles with its deadliest earthquake in decades.