Colombia Shaken: A 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Western Region

On Monday, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing widespread panic and evacuations in the region. The epicenter was located in San Jose Del Palmar, leading to reports of injuries and significant damage to buildings. This seismic event follows recent earthquakes in Venezuela, raising concerns about safety and preparedness in the region. Read on to discover more about the impact and aftermath of this natural disaster.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 10, 2026, 19:45 IST

Major Earthquake Strikes Colombia

Bogota (Colombia): A significant earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale hit western Colombia on Monday, causing tremors felt across the country and in neighboring Ecuador, leading to mass evacuations from homes and buildings.

The quake's epicenter was located in San Jose Del Palmar, a municipality situated in the Choco region, approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Bogota, as reported by both the US Geological Survey and Colombia's geological agency. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 66 miles (107 kilometers).

Nubia Cordoba, the governor of Choco, shared on social media that the regional capital experienced injuries and significant structural damage, although further specifics were not disclosed.

This seismic event follows a series of powerful earthquakes in Venezuela, where two back-to-back quakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck in late June, resulting in the destruction of numerous buildings and claiming over 5,000 lives.