At least 26 people have died in Colombia after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country’s western region, local officials said. The tremor caused buildings to collapse, trapped residents under rubble and damaged airports, homes and public structures across several cities.
The earthquake struck early Monday, August 10, 2026, at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time. Rescue teams were sent to the worst-affected areas as authorities warned residents to remain outside damaged buildings because of possible aftershocks.
Epicenter Located in Chocó
Colombia’s Geological Service placed the epicenter near San José del Palmar in the western department of Chocó. The earthquake occurred at a depth of roughly 96 kilometers, according to early geological assessments.
The tremor was felt across nine departments and in all 32 departmental capitals. Strong shaking was reported in cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Quibdó and Buenaventura. The earthquake was also felt in parts of neighboring Venezuela.
Although the earthquake was powerful, authorities said there was no tsunami threat.
Pereira Among the Worst-Affected Cities
Pereira, the capital of Risaralda department, reported some of the highest casualties. Local officials said several people were killed in the city, while buildings and other structures suffered serious damage.
The earthquake also caused damage in Manizales, where sections of buildings collapsed and part of a cathedral was damaged. Residents rushed into the streets as walls, facades and other structures began shaking and falling.
Officials urged people not to return to buildings that had developed large cracks or other visible damage. Emergency inspectors were sent to examine homes, hospitals, public buildings and transport facilities.
Buildings Collapse in Cali
Cali, one of Colombia’s largest cities, also reported widespread structural damage. More than 20 structures were reported damaged or collapsed, with some residents believed to be trapped inside.
Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder said rescue teams were working at several critical locations. Teams from Bogotá and Medellín were requested to assist local emergency workers with searches and rescue operations.
Two people were reportedly rescued alive from one damaged site, including an elderly woman and a young girl. Officials continued checking other collapsed structures for survivors.
Residents gathered near the rubble, helping rescue workers search for people who may have been trapped. Emergency officials asked the public to avoid damaged areas so that rescue teams could work safely.
Damage Reported in Quibdó and Buenaventura
In Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, officials reported injuries and significant damage to buildings. The governor of Chocó urged residents to remain alert and avoid entering structures that appeared unstable.
Buenaventura, Colombia’s main Pacific port, also suffered damage. A building collapse in the city caused deaths and left several people trapped, according to local authorities.
The earthquake affected transportation services as well. Flights were suspended at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura while inspectors checked runways, terminals and other airport facilities.
Rescue Operations Continue
Search-and-rescue teams were deployed in several cities. Firefighters, police officers, medical workers and volunteers worked together to clear debris and look for survivors.
The casualty figure remained provisional because officials were still assessing damaged areas. Some remote communities faced difficulties receiving assistance because of damaged roads, communication problems and continuing concerns about aftershocks.
Authorities warned people not to rely on unverified information circulating on social media. Officials said the confirmed death toll could change as rescue workers reached more locations and completed building inspections.
Government Coordinates Emergency Response
Colombia’s national government called an emergency meeting to coordinate the response. The country’s newly inaugurated president said the government was working with local authorities and emergency agencies to provide assistance to affected communities.
Officials focused on rescuing trapped residents, treating the injured, inspecting buildings and reopening important transport routes. Temporary shelters were also being prepared for people who could not safely return home.
The earthquake has caused widespread anxiety across western Colombia, particularly in cities where buildings were damaged and residents feared further tremors. Authorities continued urging people to remain calm, stay away from cracked structures and follow instructions from emergency officials.
The disaster response is expected to continue for several days as rescue teams search collapsed buildings and engineers assess the safety of homes, roads, airports and public facilities.
Early reports from Reuters and other international news organizations recorded deaths in Pereira, Manizales and Buenaventura, while local authorities continued revising the toll as rescue operations progressed.
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