On Monday, August 10, 2026, Western Colombia was hit by a strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake. The shock was felt in much of the country, as well as in neighbouring countries.
Where and when?
The epicentre was located in the Chocó department, about 5–20 km east of San José del Palmar. The shock occurred at 7:34 local time (14:34 Polish time) at a depth of about 96–110 km.
The earthquake was felt among others in Bogota, Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Medellín, as well as Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.
Effects
Authorities report:
- injuries to residents,
- damage and collapse of buildings (especially in Cali, Quibdó, Pereira and Manizales),
- damage to facades, walls and infrastructure,
- Problems at several regional airports.
The Governor of Chocó Department, Nubia Carolina Córdoba, informed of the wounded and serious damage in the regional capital – Quibdó. Mer Cali reported many buildings collapsed and people trapped under debris. The cathedral was damaged in Manizales, among others.
In Bogota, people left buildings massively, but according to the city authorities there were no major structural damage.
Social-media videos
Social-media is massively flooded with coverage of Colombia, many of which are very dramatic.
Warnings
The American tsunami service did not issue a warning about the tsunami wave. The Colombian authorities warn against secondary shocks and conduct damage assessments.
The earthquake was indirect (at a significant depth) and was associated with the Nazca subduction of the plate under the South American record.
Source: CNN
