A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026, causing deaths, injuries and widespread structural damage across several areas of the country.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 12:34 UTC, with its epicenter located approximately 5 km east of San José del Palmar, in western Colombia. The agency measured the earthquake at a considerable depth of 107 kilometers and classified the magnitude as Mww.
The powerful shaking was felt across a wide area of Colombia, including the capital Bogotá, while reports indicated that the earthquake was also felt in neighboring Ecuador. Evacuations were carried out in several cities as residents rushed out of buildings during the strong tremors.
Deaths and serious damage reported after the earthquake
The situation became more serious in the hours following the earthquake as reports of casualties and structural damage began to emerge.
The Associated Press reported at least 20 deaths, along with collapsed buildings and rescue operations in affected areas of western Colombia. Among the hardest-hit locations was Pereira, while fatalities and damage were also reported elsewhere.
Reuters also reported injuries and significant damage in Chocó, the Pacific province where the earthquake’s epicentral area is located. Authorities warned residents to remain alert for aftershocks.
The extent of the damage is still being assessed, meaning casualty and damage figures could change as emergency teams reach affected communities.
Where was the M7.4 earthquake located?
The USGS calculated the epicenter at approximately:
Latitude: 4.903° N
Longitude: 76.189° W
Depth: 107 km
Magnitude: M7.4 (Mww)
Time: August 10, 2026 – 12:34 UTC
Location: 5 km east of San José del Palmar, Colombia
USGS status: Reviewed
The depth of approximately 107 km makes this an intermediate-depth earthquake, rather than a shallow crustal event. The considerable magnitude nevertheless allowed seismic waves to be felt across a very large geographical area.
Strong shaking felt as far as Bogotá and Ecuador
Despite the epicenter being in western Colombia, shaking was reported hundreds of kilometers away.
Residents evacuated buildings in Bogotá, approximately 400 kilometers from the epicentral area, while shaking was also reported in other Colombian cities and neighboring Ecuador.
In Chocó, authorities reported injuries and significant damage in the regional capital Quibdó. Serious structural damage was also reported in Pereira, in the neighboring Risaralda region.
Emergency services continued inspecting buildings and infrastructure following the earthquake.
Aftershocks remain possible
A strong earthquake of this magnitude can be followed by numerous aftershocks.
Indeed, the USGS recorded a magnitude 5.0 aftershock less than an hour after the main earthquake, according to reports based on the agency’s seismic data.
Authorities have therefore urged people in affected areas to remain cautious, particularly around buildings that may have suffered structural damage during the initial shaking.
Colombia lies in a highly active seismic region
Colombia experiences significant seismic activity because of its complex tectonic setting along the northwestern edge of South America.
The country lies within a region influenced by the interaction of several major tectonic systems, including the Nazca and South American plates, producing earthquakes along Colombia’s Pacific margin and throughout the Andes.
The August 10 earthquake was particularly significant because of its M7.4 magnitude, placing it among the strongest earthquakes recorded globally so far in 2026.
Authorities continue damage assessments
Emergency operations and damage assessments are continuing in the affected regions.
Because information is developing rapidly, the number of casualties, injuries and damaged buildings may be revised as Colombian authorities and rescue teams obtain access to additional communities.
The USGS event parameters may also be refined as additional seismic data are analyzed.
