On August 10, 2026, Colombia was struck by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, causing serious damage in western and central Colombia. Over 200 people have been reported dead and thousands injured, now rescue workers are still looking for casualties in the debris of collapsed buildings.
Colombian authorities have declared a National State of Emergency, deploying military forces, firefighters, health and volunteer workers to determine the extent of the disaster.
Colombia Earthquake: Epicenter and Seismic Impact
The tremor first hit at around 7:34 a.m. local time (COT) and ended almost two minutes later. Its epicenter was near San José del Palmar in Chocó and the earthquake occurred at around a depth of 100-110km.
High intensity shaking was reported throughout the country of Colombia including several department capitals. Aftershocks occurred also in some regions of Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela, and dozens caused troubles in the rescue and rehabilitation actions.
Death Toll and Worst-Affected Areas
More than 220 people are reported dead and more than 2,500 have been injured, although reasonable numbers may be revised upward as rescue workers reach isolated areas.
Pereira has become one of the worst-hit cities as there are over 100 reported deaths, including several instances of apartment buildings collapsing. However, significant damage here, too, including structural damage to a children’s health care center.
In Manizales and Armenia, houses, historic buildings and churches were damaged. But communities near the epicenter in Chocó have also said they suffered heavy destruction, including destruction to numerous homes and public buildings.
Rescue Operations Continue Across Colombia
Search and rescue operations are underway 24 hours a day in an effort to find those under rubble. Military teams, firefighters and civil-defense personnel are deploying all heavy machinery, thermal-imaging cameras and search dogs.
Damage hospitals have set up temporary facilities close to affected hospitals, blood drives and emergency treatment centers have started near affected areas. Efforts are also underway to reopen transportation routes due to damage that affected several airports around the region.
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Humanitarian Response and Recovery Challenges
The earthquake has resulted in emergency needs for clean water, food, shelter and medical supplies, especially in remote villages hard to access. International humanitarian agencies are mobilizing for help as the broader response is coordinated within Colombia.
Rescue efforts are in a competition for time while aftershocks are still rocking several areas with infrastructure devastated by the earthquake. The immediate task is to search for survivors, medicate the injured and assist the displaced communities to receive the necessary provisions.
FAQs
When did the earthquake strike Colombia?
The temblor hit Colombia around 7:34 am local time on August 10, 2026.
How strong was the earthquake?
It was an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude and reportedly took place at a depth of 100–110 kilometers.
Which areas were worst affected?
Major losses and damages have been reported in communities located in the areas of Pereira and the rest of Chocó (San José del Palmar), Cali, Manizales and Armenia.
