7.4 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE DEVASTATES WESTERN COLOMBIA
BOGOTÁ, (Aug. 10, 2026)— A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday morning, killing at least 111 people, injuring dozens, and triggering widespread destruction across the region.
The U.S. The Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake hit at a depth of 66 miles (107 km), with its epicenter located near San José del Palmar in the northwestern department of Chocó, roughly 150 miles west of Bogotá.
Widespread Destruction and Casualties
The department of Risaralda has reported the highest number of fatalities so far. Emergency officials confirmed that at least 87 people are injured, over 1,600 structures have sustained damage, and 61 buildings have completely collapsed.
Heavy casualties and severe infrastructure damage are heavily concentrated in three major cities
In the capital city of Bogotá, the intense tremors sparked widespread panic, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate into the streets. However, city officials confirmed no major structural collapses or severe injuries occurred in the capital.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, who was recently inaugurated, officially declared a state of national disaster. The declaration mobilizes emergency funding and deploys military personnel to lead search-and-rescue operations in the hardest-hit zones.
The disaster has also paralyzed regional transit. Flight operations are fully suspended at seven regional airports, halting travel in and out of Pereira, Cali, Manizales, and Quibdó.
International humanitarian groups, including the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), are already redirecting resources to the area, following similar relief efforts for twin earthquakes that struck neighboring Venezuela just weeks prior. The United States government stated it stands ready to deploy immediate aid. Rescue efforts remain underway as emergency teams search the debris for survivors.
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