Powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits western Colombia
On the morning of August 10, 2026, a major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck western Colombia, with its epicenter located near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco province. The tremor, occurring at a depth of approximately 107 to 115 kilometers, was felt across the country, including the capital, Bogota, as well as in neighboring Panama, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
The disaster has resulted in at least 82 confirmed deaths and numerous injuries, with the casualty count rising as rescue operations continue. The province of Risaralda, particularly the city of Pereira, has reported the highest number of fatalities, while in Cali, dozens of buildings collapsed, leaving people trapped under rubble.
Regional authorities have suspended operations at several airports, including those in Quibdo, Manizales, and Pereira, as inspectors assess structural damage. While the US Tsunami Warning System stated there is no immediate risk of a tsunami, the local governor and emergency services remain on high alert for dangerous aftershocks. Rescue teams from major cities like Bogota and Medellin have been deployed to assist in ongoing search and recovery efforts.