Three Days After China, A Powerful Earthquake Hits Colombia

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 132 people, injuring around 570, and causing major damage to buildings and roads.

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia on Monday, 10 August 2026, at around 7:34 a.m. local time. The epicentre was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, at a depth of about 96 kilometres.

According to the latest reports, at least 132 people have died and around 570 people have been injured. The earthquake caused major damage across several parts of Colombia.

Cali was among the worst-hit areas. Parts of a hospital treating children and newborn babies were damaged, forcing patients to be moved to safer places. More than 86 buildings collapsed, while homes, schools, hospitals and roads were also damaged.

Seven airports were temporarily closed for safety checks, while Bogotá’s airport remained open. The earthquake was strongly felt in Bogotá, where people rushed out of buildings after alarms went off.

The earthquake was followed by several aftershocks, making rescue operations more difficult. Soldiers, emergency workers and rescue teams have been sent to affected areas to search for survivors trapped under the rubble.

Colombia’s government declared a national disaster and ordered authorities to focus on rescue and relief work. The earthquake was also felt in neighbouring countries, including Ecuador, Venezuela and Panama.

Just three days earlier, a 4.9-magnitude earthquake had hit Sichuan, China, killing one person and injuring six. Meanwhile, thousands of families in Colombia are still waiting for information about their loved ones as rescue operations continue.

 

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