7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Colombia: Over 110 Dead and Widespread Destruction

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake tore through western Colombia at 7:30 a.m. on August 10, 2026, leaving at least 111 people dead and triggering a national state of emergency. The quake, the strongest to hit the country in a decade, caused widespread building collapses across several provinces.

Devastation in San Jose Del Palmar

Colombia’s geological service placed the epicenter in San Jose Del Palmar, roughly 250 miles west of Bogota. The rupture occurred at a depth of 60 miles. In response, President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered the immediate creation of an emergency center at the epicenter to coordinate relief.

Search operations are now underway. Responders are currently digging through collapsed structures in a race to find survivors.

Urban Collapse from Manizales to Cali

The destruction varied by city, but the scale was immense. In Manizales, west of Bogota, at least two people died. More than 30 buildings collapsed, including the city’s cathedral, where footage captured one of the spires crumbling into rubble.

In Cali, a city of 2.3 million people, the quake leveled at least 20 buildings. The chaos extended to healthcare facilities, where hospitals were forced to evacuate patients. Some elderly patients were moved outside on their hospital beds.

Regional Toll and Aftershock Fears

The death toll climbed in Pereira, the capital of Risaralda province, where 18 people died. Governor Juan Diego Patino told Blu Radio that several buildings in the city suffered serious damage.

Further west, in the department of Choco, Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi reported significant damage to buildings in the capital, Quibdo. Writing on X, Cordoba-Curi expressed concern regarding potential aftershocks.

A Continental Tremor

The shockwaves were not confined to Colombia. The seismic activity was felt as far as Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador, and prompted mass building evacuations in Bogota. Beyond the human cost—which includes at least 87 injuries—the disaster disrupted national life, forcing the postponement of league games and Conmebol matches.

President de la Espriella addressed the victims, promising a comprehensive recovery effort.

“You are not alone,” the President said. “You have a President who cares deeply for his people and who will do everything necessary to protect you, support you, and move forward together in rebuilding the affected regions.”