A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on 10 August 2026, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó. The earthquake was felt across a large part of the country, including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Medellín and Bogotá, and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The earthquake has caused major loss of life, with at least 111 people reported dead and dozens injured in initial assessments, while casualty figures continue to be revised as rescue teams reach affected areas. Reports also indicate that more than 1,500 homes have been damaged and that dozens of buildings have collapsed, particularly in the affected western and coffee-growing regions
National Emergency Declared
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency following the earthquake and placed the national government at the centre of the relief and rescue effort. In a video message, the President announced the suspension of his scheduled agenda and assumed direct leadership of the response, with plans to visit affected areas and coordinate assistance from the ground.
The government activated a Puesto de Mando Unificado (Unified Command Post) in Bogotá to coordinate the response among national institutions and emergency agencies, with particular attention to Chocó, the Coffee Region and other badly affected areas.
Rescue and Emergency Measures
Search and rescue operations became the government’s immediate priority, with emergency teams deployed to damaged and collapsed structures to locate survivors and assist people trapped under rubble. Medical facilities in affected cities also faced heavy pressure, while authorities assessed hospitals, schools, roads and other essential infrastructure for damage and safety. Security measures were also introduced in some affected cities. Airports in parts of western Colombia were temporarily affected as authorities carried out safety assessments, while residents were urged to remain alert to possible aftershocks.
President’s Message
President de la Espriella also delivered a public message following the disaster, assuring affected Colombians that they would not be left alone and that the State would use its full capacity to respond. He said the immediate priorities were protecting lives, assisting victims and beginning the reconstruction process.
As rescue and damage-assessment operations continue, authorities are expected to update casualty and damage figures. The immediate focus remains on saving lives, providing medical assistance and shelter, restoring essential services and supporting affected communities through recovery and reconstruction.
