New Delhi, 10 August
Colombia Earthquake: 20 Dead After 7.4-Magnitude Quake Strikes Western Region
At least 20 people have been killed and dozens of buildings damaged or collapsed after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, trapping people under rubble and forcing residents to evacuate buildings across several cities.
The Colombia earthquake was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador, while tremors prompted residents as far away as the capital Bogota to leave their homes and seek safety.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.4, with the epicentre located near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó region. The quake struck at a depth of about 107 kilometres.
Colombia earthquake leaves at least 20 dead
Local officials initially confirmed that at least 18 people were killed in Pereira and two in Manizales.
The death toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings and authorities assess damage across affected areas. Reports published later on Monday indicated that casualty figures were continuing to change.
The powerful earthquake caused widespread damage in parts of western Colombia, with residents and emergency workers searching through rubble for people who may have been trapped.
In Cali, authorities reported that people were trapped in collapsed buildings as rescue operations continued.
Buildings collapse in several Colombian cities
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia caused serious structural damage in several cities, including Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales.
Local media footage showed homes and smaller buildings collapsing in affected areas, while residents gathered outside following the strong tremors.
In Manizales, part of the city’s historic neo-Gothic cathedral was reported to have collapsed. Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas confirmed deaths in the city and urged residents to remain outside because of the possibility of aftershocks.
Officials in Chocó also reported injuries and serious damage to buildings in Quibdó, the regional capital.
Residents trapped as rescue operations continue
In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder said residents were trapped in multiple buildings that had collapsed following the Colombia earthquake.
Emergency workers were deployed to affected areas to search for survivors and assess damaged structures.
Residents in several cities were seen evacuating buildings and gathering in open areas as authorities warned about possible aftershocks.
The earthquake was strong enough to be felt across a wide area, including parts of neighbouring Ecuador.
Epicentre near San José del Palmar
According to the USGS, the earthquake occurred about 5 kilometres east of San José del Palmar, in the Chocó region of western Colombia.
The earthquake struck at 12:34 UTC on August 10, with a recorded depth of approximately 107 kilometres.
San José del Palmar is a relatively small community, but the earthquake was felt across major population centres in western Colombia.
Colombia earthquake raises aftershock concerns
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert as rescue operations continue and the possibility of aftershocks remains.
The latest Colombia earthquake has renewed concerns about the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Earthquakes are relatively common in central and western Colombia, although earthquakes of this strength are less frequent.
Colombia was previously hit by a major earthquake near Armenia in 1999, which caused extensive destruction and a large number of deaths.
Colombia government responds to earthquake emergency
Colombia’s government has mobilised emergency response efforts following the earthquake, with authorities coordinating rescue and assessment operations in affected areas.
Officials are continuing to gather information on casualties, structural damage and people who may remain trapped beneath debris.
Emergency teams are expected to continue search-and-rescue operations as authorities assess the full impact of the disaster.
Colombia earthquake: Key details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Magnitude | 7.4 |
| Country | Colombia |
| Date | August 10, 2026 |
| Epicentre | Near San José del Palmar, Chocó |
| Depth | About 107 km |
| Initial death toll | At least 20 |
| Affected areas | Pereira, Manizales, Cali, Quibdó and other areas |
| Also felt in | Ecuador and other parts of Colombia |
| Major concern | Collapsed buildings and possible aftershocks |
The death toll and damage figures are developing and may be updated as authorities continue rescue operations.