A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, killing at least 111 people and leaving more than 2,700 reported missing as rescue teams searched collapsed buildings and cut-off communities. The quake hit at 7:34 am local time near San José del Palmar in Chocó and was felt across major cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Bogotá. The US Geological Survey placed the depth at 107 kilometers. With buildings damaged, airports shut for inspections and families still unable to contact relatives, casualty figures could change as crews reach harder-hit areas.
Colombia Earthquake: What Happened And Where Was The Epicentre?
The earthquake struck close to San José del Palmar in the western department of Chocó. The USGS recorded the event at magnitude 7.4, while Colombia’s Geological Service said it was the strongest earthquake recorded in the country during the 21st century. The depth helped spread shaking across a wide area, with tremors reported far beyond the epicentral zone.
Damage was reported in Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia and other communities. In Pereira, a multi-storey building collapsed, while footage from Manizales showed part of the city’s landmark cathedral falling into the street. Rescue crews in Cali worked through broken concrete and unstable structures to reach people trapped inside buildings.
The scale of the disaster became clearer overnight. Around 1,600 buildings were reported damaged or destroyed, according to the Associated Press. Some rural communities remained difficult to reach because roads, communications and local infrastructure were disrupted. Chocó already presents logistical challenges, with many settlements connected by river, jungle routes or limited air links.
How Many People Are Dead Or Missing After The Colombia Quake?
President Abelardo de la Espriella said at least 111 people had died, a figure also carried by Reuters and AP. Some local outlets reported a higher total of 132, although Reuters said the source of that number remained unclear. For now, 111 is the firmer nationally announced count.
More than 2,700 people had been reported missing by Monday night through citizen-run search platforms, AP reported. That number does not automatically mean all are trapped or injured. Communication failures, damaged phone networks and displaced families can temporarily push missing-person lists higher after a major disaster.
Key updates from the first day included:
- At least 111 deaths were officially announced, while local counts continued to change.
- More than 2,700 people were listed as missing by Monday night.
- Around 1,600 buildings were reported damaged or collapsed across affected areas.
- Authorities recorded 21 aftershocks by late Monday and warned that further tremors were possible.
- Airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura suspended operations for inspections.
- Cali, Armenia and Manizales imposed curfews as security forces guarded damaged areas.
The Associated Press also shared rescue footage from Cali on its official X account, showing residents and emergency teams searching rubble after the earthquake.
Rescue Efforts Continue As Colombia Faces Aftershocks And Regional Disruption
Search operations continued through the night, with firefighters, soldiers, police officers, engineers, volunteers and trained dogs deployed across western Colombia. In several places, people shifted slabs and debris by hand while heavy machinery worked around unstable structures. Rescuers pulled survivors, including children, from collapsed buildings.
President de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency and said saving people trapped under rubble was the government’s priority. He travelled to Quibdó and Cali as the administration coordinated rescue and relief work. The government also announced rental assistance for families whose homes were damaged.
International support began arriving quickly. The United States announced $15.5 million for emergency shelter, food and other assistance, while governments across Latin America offered help. The emergency comes only weeks after devastating earthquakes in neighbouring Venezuela, adding fresh concern across the seismically active region.
The quake also disrupted public events and transport. Cali postponed the Petronio Álvarez music festival, while aviation authorities halted operations at several regional airports until engineers could assess structural safety.
Colombia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences thousands of mostly small earthquakes every month. The country’s coffee region suffered a devastating magnitude 6.2 earthquake in 1999 that killed more than 1,000 people, making Monday’s disaster a painful reminder of the seismic risk facing densely populated Andean cities.
Colombia Earthquake FAQs
1. How many people died in the Colombia earthquake?
At least 111 people were confirmed dead, while authorities warned the casualty count could increase.
2. How many people are still missing in Colombia?
More than 2,700 people were reported missing by night as families searched for relatives.
3. What was the magnitude of the Colombia earthquake?
The US Geological Survey measured the Colombia earthquake at magnitude 7.4, with considerable depth.
4. Where was the epicentre of the Colombia earthquake?
The epicentre was near San José del Palmar in Chocó, Colombia, according to USGS data.
5. Are aftershocks expected after the 7.4 earthquake?
Yes, Colombian authorities recorded 21 aftershocks by Monday night and warned further tremors remain possible.
More earthquake updates you need to know.
How Are Rescuers Searching Colombia’s Rubble?
Check out how emergency teams are searching damaged buildings for survivors.
Could More Tremors Hit Colombia Soon?
Find out what authorities reported about aftershocks following the powerful quake.
