Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake Devastates Western Colombia, Claiming Over 100 Lives

San Diego, CA, August 10, 2026 —

A devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, leading to widespread destruction and a confirmed death toll of at least 111 people. The powerful seismic event, which occurred recently, has left a trail of collapsed buildings and significant damage across the region.

The epicenter of the earthquake was identified in San Jose Del Palmar, a community situated in the Choco region of Colombia. The tremors were not confined to Colombia, with seismic waves also being felt in neighboring countries, including Ecuador and Panama. This indicates the significant scale and power of the earthquake.

Major urban centers such as Pereira, Quibdo, Cali, and Manizales have reported substantial damage and a high number of casualties. Many residents were reported to be trapped under the rubble of collapsed structures, complicating rescue efforts. The full extent of the human toll and the infrastructural damage is still being assessed.

This earthquake is notable for its intensity, registering as the most powerful earthquake to be recorded in Colombia within the last ten years. The magnitude of 7.4 signifies a major seismic event with the potential for widespread devastation, as witnessed in the affected areas.

Emergency response teams are currently on the ground working to provide aid, conduct search and rescue operations, and assess the damage. The number of fatalities is expected to change as recovery efforts continue. Further details regarding the specific damages and the ongoing response will be reported as they become available.

Story summarized from the original created by Manuel Rueda, Megan Janetsky and Astrid Suárez | The Associated Press on www.nbcsandiego.com, see more information here.

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