Alert+

Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Colombia

Major Earthquake Strikes Colombia’s Chocó Department

SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 15:00 UTC 10 August 2026

At 07:34 local time (12:34 UTC) on 10 August, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake was detected 5 kilometres east of San José del Palmar, Chocó Department, Colombia, at a depth of 107 kilometres, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake was felt as far as Venezuela and Ecuador.

Choco province Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi has declared that injuries have been reported and there is severe damage to buildings. Videos and local media reports also indicate major damage in several cities. Buildings were reported to have collapsed or partially collapsed in Cali, Pereira and Manizales. Footage also reportedly showed significant structural damage in Pereira, damage to a cathedral in Manizales, and structural damage in Medellín’s San Diego suburb.

Residents evacuated buildings in northern Bogotá, over 200 kilometres east of the epicentre, while buildings were also evacuated in Barranquilla. However, the mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán, reported that no structural damage was reported aside from some cracks in buildings. There have been no confirmed casualty figures or a comprehensive official damage assessment.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Aftershocks Could Prolong Disruption Across Colombia

Despite the high magnitude of the earthquake, the most severe destruction is highly likely limited to near the epicentre, due to the depth of the earthquake. A deep or intermediate-depth 7+ magnitude event generally produces less concentrated surface damage than an equivalent shallow earthquake, while transmitting seismic energy over a much larger area.

Colombia experiences numerous major earthquakes because of its position at the convergence of several tectonic systems, with significant historical seismicity recorded across the Andean and Pacific regions. The Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) records an average of approximately 2,500 earthquakes per month, equivalent to around 30,000 per year. However, the overwhelming majority are low-magnitude events that are not felt by the population and are detected only instrumentally. Significant damaging earthquakes are considerably less frequent.

Notable historical earthquakes include the 1999 Armenia earthquake, a magnitude 6.1 event that killed more than 1,000 people, injured thousands, and caused extensive damage across Colombia’s Coffee Axis, and the 1983 Popayán earthquake, a magnitude 5.5 event that killed several hundred people and severely damaged large parts of the city. The 1979 Tumaco earthquake was among Colombia’s most destructive modern seismic events: the magnitude 7.9-8.0 earthquake generated a tsunami, caused widespread building collapse and liquefaction along the Pacific coast, and killed approximately 600 people.

This will almost certainly act as a test for the new President Abelardo de la Espriella, who was inaugurated on 7 August. The government’s handling of emergency response, infrastructure disruption, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction will likely shape initial perceptions of the administration’s competence. This is particularly important given de la Espriella’s narrow and politically contentious election victory, meaning any perceived shortcomings in the response could quickly become a focus for opposition criticism.

Aftershocks are highly likely over the coming days and weeks, although they will highly likely be smaller than the main shock. These could trigger further landslides, damage already weakened buildings and infrastructure, disrupt transport and emergency operations, and prolong public anxiety, particularly in the most heavily affected areas.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Colombia

Closely monitor local news reports and government alerts.
Expect aftershocks. Be prepared to Drop, Cover, Hold On in case of further tremors.
During a tremor, if outside, do not enter buildings and move away from buildings, trees, streetlights and overhead lines.
If inside, pick a safe place (under a sturdy table or desk, or against an interior wall and away from windows and heavy furniture). Do not leave until the shaking stops.
If evacuating a building, always use the stairs. Look out for fires and falling debris.
Adhere to all instructions issued by authorities.
Heed evacuation orders and travel to government-issued shelters if safe to do so.
Ensure important documents and medications are appropriately stored.
Prepare an emergency ‘go bag’ with essentials such as bottled water, batteries, important documents, and medications.
Confirm booked flights are running prior to checking out of hotels or travelling to the airport.
Prepare for power outages, communication disruptions, and travel delays.
Stay away from damaged buildings and affected areas until authorities deem them safe.