Powerful 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Colombia, Leaving More Than 100 Dead
BOGOTÁ — Colombia is grappling with one of its deadliest earthquakes in decades after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s western region on Monday, August 10, 2026, killing at least 111 people and leaving widespread destruction in its wake. The epicenter was reported near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, with powerful tremors felt across several major cities, including Cali, Pereira, Armenia and Manizales. Buildings collapsed or sustained severe damage, hospitals were affected, and residents were trapped beneath rubble as emergency crews, soldiers and volunteers launched urgent search-and-rescue operations.
More than 1,600 buildings were reportedly damaged or collapsed, while thousands of people were reported missing in the immediate aftermath. Authorities declared a national emergency and deployed additional security and rescue personnel to the worst-hit areas, as concerns over aftershocks and disrupted infrastructure complicated relief efforts. Rescue teams continued working through the night to locate survivors, while international assistance began to mobilize. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as teams reach remote and severely damaged communities. The disaster has brought renewed attention to Colombia’s vulnerability to major seismic events and triggered a nationwide humanitarian response focused on saving lives, supporting displaced families and restoring essential services.
