At least 111 people died after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026, according to official figures cited by CNN and reported by outlets including Metrotvnews. The disaster triggered a national emergency declaration as rescue teams scramble to reach survivors trapped beneath rubble in cities like Cali and Pereira.
Casualty and Damage Toll Across Colombia
According to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, the severe tremor injured 87 people, caused 61 buildings to collapse, and damaged 1.575 homes across the affected regions. Metrotvnews reported that the department of Risaralda recorded at least 40 deaths, while the city of Pereira faced what Mayor Mauricio Salazar described to Caracol Radio as a “critical” situation. Another 27 fatalities occurred in the Valle del Cauca department, alongside two deaths in the coffee-growing hub of Manizales, where the steeple of the city’s historic cathedral collapsed.
Epicenter and Regional Impact
Data from the USGS places the epicenter in San José del Palmar, within the Chocó department, at a depth of 107 kilometers and approximately 280 kilometers west of Bogotá. The tremor struck at 7:34 a.m. local time, sending terrified residents into the streets of the capital in their sleepwear as emergency sirens sounded, according to AFP journalists on the ground. Metrotvnews noted that the violent shaking also impacted neighboring Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. In Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, 20 buildings collapsed, trapping residents beneath debris, as confirmed by Mayor Alejandro Eder.
Emergency Response and Transport Disruptions
The Colombian government established a national disaster status to fast-track additional resources to heavily impacted zones. President de la Espriella announced plans to travel directly to the disaster area for an emergency meeting, while Metrotvnews reported his remarks to the people of Colombia. Civil aviation authorities suspended operations at six smaller western airports, and sports officials postponed scheduled soccer matches. International leaders responded quickly; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated via platform X that Washington is monitoring the major earthquake closely and stands ready to assist, while Israel, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa offered support.
Did you know?
In June, two gempa bumi susul-menyusul di Venezuela dengan magnitudo 7,2 dan 7,5 menewaskan lebih dari 6.000 orang dan menyebabkan kerusakan luas, highlighting high seismic activity along regional fault lines in South America.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of the earthquake in Colombia?
The earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.4, according to reports citing Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella and the USGS.
Where was the epicenter located?
The USGS reported the epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department, at a depth of 107 kilometers.
How many casualties have been confirmed?
Officials confirmed at least 111 deaths and 87 injuries following the disaster, alongside numerous damaged homes.
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