An earthquake of magnitude 7.4 shook the western region of Colombia on August 10, 2026, resulting in more than 74 fatalities and the ruin of at least 20 buildings. The natural phenomenon occurred at around 7:34 am local time, with its epicenter located near San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, at an approximate depth of 100 kilometers, according to data from the national geological service. Large urban centers such as Bogotá and Cali felt the strong tremor, although no tsunami warning was issued.
The death count indicates that at least 27 people lost their lives in Valle del Cauca, 40 in the metropolitan area of Pereira, four in Chocó and three in Manizales. In Cali, twenty structures collapsed, with reports of individuals trapped under the rubble, according to information from competent bodies.
Mauricio Salazar, mayor of Pereira, expressed that, “regrettably, the situation is critical”, during an interview.
Extent of damage and rescue operations in several cities
Alejandro Eder, mayor of Cali, the third largest Colombian metropolis, reported having asked the managers of Bogotá and Medellín for help from rescue teams. The objective is to help the victims trapped in the twenty buildings that collapsed in Cali. He added that surveillance of the scene is being carried out using drones.
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In Chocó, governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba communicated, via social network X, about the existence of “injured people” and “serious damage to buildings”. An audiovisual recording, released by a journalist, showed a building that collapsed in Quibdó, the capital of the department.
Reports from residents about the intensity of the earthquake
Local media revealed images of homes that collapsed in municipalities such as Pereira and Manizales, areas belonging to the tourist region of Eixo Cafeeiro.
Martha Estrada, 66, resident of the region and witness to the earthquake, described the moment: “There was no electricity or cell phone signal; it was very strong, very strong, things fell inside the house.”
Destruction scenario and rescue efforts
Impact on infrastructure and the search for survivors
After the earthquake, buildings in Bogotá were vacated. Many residents left their homes, some still in their sleeping clothes, and headed to the streets, to the sound of sirens that echoed throughout the capital.
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Valeria Polo, a 29-year-old content creator who was in the center of the capital, commented: “The tremor was very strong.”
Mayor Carlos Galán, however, reported in an interview that in Bogotá only superficial damage was recorded, such as cracks in some homes and buildings.
Civil Aeronautics announced the suspension of operations at several airports in the western region of the country, including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura, so that the damage resulting from the earthquake could be verified.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office a few days earlier, announced that he will travel to the Coffee Hub to assess the situation there.
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In a post on the social network X, Espriella stated: “I will be in Pereira personally to accompany those affected and verify the government’s response.”
Parallel with previous earthquake and regional repercussions
The tremor was felt beyond Colombian borders, hitting the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, several provinces in Panama – where hospitals had to be evacuated – and also parts of Venezuela. This recent event brings to mind the double earthquake of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that shook Venezuela on June 24, 2026, resulting in more than 6,000 deaths and a trail of devastation.
Ana Hernández, a 66-year-old housewife from Maracaibo, Venezuela, described her experience: “We noticed it because the lamps were swaying from side to side. I felt it, but I thought it was my dizziness, because sometimes I get dizzy.”
International solidarity and support for victims
Panamanian authorities are investigating the damage in the jungle area located on the Darién border. The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, assured that her country “will offer all the support that Colombia needs.”
Furthermore, Israel offered assistance, a gesture that comes amid the recent resumption of diplomatic relations with Colombia, following the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella.