A major earthquake struck western Colombia on the morning of 10th August 2026, Monday (local time).
"It is the strongest seismic event recorded in the country this century."
Below is some high-level information related to the earthquake.
Key Information
- A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday, 10 August 2026 with its epicentre located in San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, about 240 km west of Bogotá, at a depth of 107 km. (CNN)
- A 5.0-magnitude aftershock was also reported. (CBS News)
- This is the most powerful tremor to hit Colombia this century, according to the Colombian Geological Service, and the strongest since record-keeping began in the early 1920s. (Al Jazeera, CBS News)
- Tremors were felt in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama. (Al Jazeera)
Fatalities and Injuries
- At least 132 fatalities and 570 injuries have been reported to date, including 60 deaths in Pereira alone, with numbers expected to rise. (CNN)
Damage and Impact
- The official impact assessment records 61 collapsed buildings, 37 homes destroyed, and 1,575 homes damaged, along with damage to 18 health centres, 52 educational facilities, 17 community centres, 18 major roads/highways, and six regional airports. (ColombiaOne)
- 18 health centers in Valle del Cauca and the Coffee Axis severely damaged. (ColombiaOne)
- Airports have suspended operations.
- Communication blackouts are severely affecting Pereira, one of the hardest-hit municipalities. (ColombiaOne)
Government Response
- President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster following an emergency meeting at the UNGRD crisis room, and emergency response teams and civil defense units are mobilising specialised equipment for search and rescue. (ColombiaOne)
- Search and Rescue Teams are active on the ground.
