Colombia Earthquake: What Happened and How to Help

On the morning of Monday, August 10, 2026, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, with an epicenter near the town of San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó. Colombia's Geological Service (SGC) placed the quake at a depth of roughly 103 km and described it as the strongest recorded in the country in the 21st century. It was followed by numerous aftershocks and was felt as far as Ecuador and Panama.

The Colombian government declared a national disaster and launched search-and-rescue operations across the affected departments. This page will be updated as verified information becomes available.

What we know so far

• CasualtiesColombian authorities have confirmed more than 200 deaths and thousands of injuries as of August 11, 2026. Search-and-rescue teams are still working to reach the epicenter, and officials expect the toll to rise.
• MissingThousands of people remain unaccounted for in the hardest-hit rural areas around Chocó.
• DamageMore than 1,500 homes damaged or destroyed, along with health centers, schools, roads, and at least one regional airport.
• ResponseA national disaster has been declared. International rescue teams, including search units from Mexico, have joined the response alongside Colombian emergency services.

Figures are still changing as rescue operations continue and are compiled from Colombian government statements and international news coverage as of August 11-12, 2026. Treat any specific casualty number as provisional.

Affected cities and areas

The quake was felt across a wide area of western and central Colombia. Significant damage has been reported in:

• ·Chocó department, especially San José del Palmar and Quibdó, closest to the epicenter and hit hardest
• ·Cali — reports of building collapses and structural damage
• ·Pereira and Manizales — damage to housing and infrastructure
• ·Armenia — damage reported in the Coffee Region

A note for travelers

Outside the directly affected areas of Chocó and the surrounding region, cellular and internet networks across Colombia are largely operating normally. If you have travel plans, check with your airline and accommodation directly, avoid the affected departments while search-and-rescue operations continue, and follow guidance from Colombia's Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD) for the latest official updates.

We will keep this page updated as the situation develops.