Deadly 7.4 magnitude earthquake strikes western Colombia

A catastrophic 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco department on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 07:34 local time. The tremor, which occurred at a depth of 103 kilometers, caused widespread devastation in cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo, resulting in at least 254 confirmed deaths and over 1,600 injuries. Authorities report that hundreds of buildings have collapsed or suffered severe damage, while thousands of people remain missing.

Rescue operations are currently in a critical phase as teams race against time to locate survivors trapped under rubble. Despite the immense challenges, responders have successfully pulled several survivors, including a 32-year-old woman and an infant, from the debris more than 30 hours after the event. In response to the tragedy, the Colombian government has declared three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast across the country and at diplomatic missions abroad. Search and rescue efforts continue as authorities work to manage the humanitarian crisis.