Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Colombia, Killing at Least 111 People

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, killing at least 111 people and causing widespread destruction across several cities.

The earthquake damaged hundreds of buildings and left people trapped beneath debris as rescue teams and local residents searched for survivors. Some of the most heavily affected areas included Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicentre was located near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó region, about 400 kilometres west of Bogotá. The shaking was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.

Colombian authorities reported at least 87 people injured and around 1,600 buildings damaged, including at least 61 structures that completely collapsed. The government declared an emergency to speed up funding and assistance for affected communities.

The Colombian Geological Service described the earthquake as the country’s strongest recorded in the 21st century. Several aftershocks followed the initial quake, prompting authorities to warn residents to remain cautious.

Among the confirmed deaths, at least 40 were reported in the Risaralda region, where Pereira is located, while 27 people died in Valle del Cauca, which includes Cali. Fatalities were also recorded in Chocó, Caldas and Antioquia.

Search and rescue operations continued in several locations as authorities worked to reach people trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Access to some areas of Chocó remained difficult because of its remote geography and disruptions to communications.

The disaster also disrupted transportation. Flights were suspended at several airports while officials assessed damage, including facilities serving Manizales, Quibdó, Pereira and other affected areas.

International assistance has begun to arrive. The United States announced US$15.5 million in emergency assistance, while several Latin American governments offered rescue personnel, medical assistance and other support to Colombia.

The earthquake struck a region located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for significant seismic activity. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the destruction as rescue and recovery operations remain underway.