Colombia Hit by Powerful Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake: At Least 111 Dead and Widespread Damage
On Monday, August 10, 2026, a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, triggering a state of emergency across several regions of the country. The epicenter was located near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó. According to the provisional toll announced by President Abelardo de la Espriella, the quake has left at least 111 people dead and 87 injured. Search and rescue operations continued into the evening as emergency teams worked to locate any victims still trapped under the rubble.
The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time (12:34 UTC). According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), it occurred at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers. Despite this intermediate depth, the powerful shaking was widely felt across much of Colombia, as well as in neighboring Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela.
The heaviest damage was concentrated in the west and central-west of the country. Buildings partially or completely collapsed in Pereira, Cali, Quibdó, and Manizales. Matecaña International Airport in Pereira was among the facilities affected. Authorities reported that more than 1,500 homes were damaged, along with several health centers and schools. Images circulating throughout the day showed streets littered with debris and residents gathered outdoors, fearing aftershocks.
In response to the scale of the disaster, President Abelardo de la Espriella — who had taken office only three days earlier — declared a state of emergency. He stressed that the absolute priority remained the rescue of people potentially trapped under collapsed structures. Several aftershocks were recorded in the hours that followed, including one of magnitude 4.8.
The human toll remained subject to change as rescue teams gained access to the hardest-hit areas and communications, disrupted in parts of Chocó, were gradually restored.
This magnitude 7.4 earthquake ranks among the deadliest and most destructive Colombia has experienced in recent years. With a provisional toll of at least 111 dead and 87 injured, it has deeply affected multiple communities and presented an immediate test for the new government.
As rescue operations continue, the urgent priorities remain saving lives, treating the injured, and assisting displaced populations. The tragedy once again highlights the vulnerability of regions located in high seismic activity zones and the critical importance of preparedness and resilient infrastructure in the face of natural disasters.