Devastating 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Colombia: Casualties and Damage Reported

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck western Colombia, leading to at least 20 fatalities and extensive damage across several cities. The epicenter was located in San Jose Del Palmar, with significant impacts felt in Pereira and Manizales. Residents are currently dealing with the aftermath, as rescue efforts continue amidst fears of aftershocks. President Abelardo de la Espriella has taken charge of the emergency response, assuring citizens of government support. This earthquake follows a series of devastating quakes in neighboring Venezuela. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 10, 2026, 21:14 IST

Tragedy Strikes Colombia Amid Powerful Earthquake

Bogota (Colombia): On Monday, a devastating earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck western Colombia, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and the collapse of numerous buildings. The quake trapped many residents under debris, caused injuries, and prompted evacuations as far away as the capital, Bogota.

The earthquake's epicenter was located in San Jose Del Palmar, a small community with a population of approximately 4,800 in the Choco region, situated about 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Bogota. According to reports from the US Geological Survey and local authorities, the quake occurred at a depth of 66 miles (107 kilometers) and was also felt in neighboring Ecuador.

Local officials reported that the majority of the casualties occurred in Pereira, where 18 people lost their lives, while two fatalities were confirmed in Manizales.

The earthquake left a trail of destruction across western Colombia, with residents sifting through rubble amid fears of aftershocks.

Jorge Moncayo, a 64-year-old taxi driver from Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, described witnessing clouds of dust rising from collapsed buildings. He recounted, "My entire house shook. I’ve never experienced such a powerful earthquake before."

In Manizales, a city known for its coffee production, one of the towers of the neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed onto the nave. Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas confirmed two deaths in the city due to the earthquake and urged residents to remain outdoors in anticipation of aftershocks.

Choco Governor Nubia Cordoba reported on social media that there were injuries and significant structural damage in Quibdo, the regional capital with around 130,000 residents, although she did not provide further specifics.

Local media shared footage showing the destruction of homes and smaller buildings in Pereira, Cali, and Quibdo.

In Cali, which has a population of 2 million, Mayor Alejandro Eder announced that at least 19 buildings had collapsed, trapping residents inside.

While minor earthquakes, referred to as "temblores," are frequent in central and western Colombia, those exceeding 6.0 in magnitude are uncommon. A notable quake in 1999 near Armenia resulted in over 1,100 deaths.

Colombia's newly sworn-in President Abelardo de la Espriella stated that he was personally overseeing the government's emergency response in San Jose del Palmar following the earthquake.

"You are not alone. The state is present and taking action," he assured the public.

This earthquake follows a series of significant quakes in Venezuela in late June, which measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, leading to the destruction of hundreds of buildings and over 5,000 casualties.