Earthquake with 7.4 magnitude hits Colombia, killing at least 69
Al Jazeera
β’Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:57:08 +0000
π° What Happened
At least 69 people were killed and dozens of buildings collapsed across western Colombia after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region on Monday. The quake trapped residents under debris and forced evacuations as far as the capital, Bogota.
π The Backstory
Authorities initially estimated the magnitude at 6.6 before the USGS confirmed 7.4 at a depth of about 107 km. No tsunami warning was issued, but officials in Colombia and Ecuador urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks, with damage reported in Quibdo, Cali, Pereira and Manizales.
π― Why It Matters
The disaster tests Colombia's emergency response under newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella and highlights the vulnerability of western Colombian cities to major seismic events, with rescue efforts and damage assessments still underway.
At least 69 people were killed and dozens of buildings collapsed across western Colombia after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region on Monday. The quake trapped residents under debris and forced evacuations as far as the capital, Bogota.
Authorities initially estimated the magnitude at 6.6 before the USGS confirmed 7.4 at a depth of about 107 km. No tsunami warning was issued, but officials in Colombia and Ecuador urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks, with damage reported in Quibdo, Cali, Pereira and Manizales.
The disaster tests Colombia's emergency response under newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella and highlights the vulnerability of western Colombian cities to major seismic events, with rescue efforts and damage assessments still underway.