Colombia Hit by Nature’s Fury: 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Causes Massive Destruction; More Than 110 Dead, Thousands Missing

Colombia | August 11, 2026

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the South American country of Colombia on August 10, causing widespread destruction. The earthquake, which struck western Colombia, shook buildings across several cities and caused numerous structures to collapse. The epicenter was reportedly located near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region.

The tremors were felt in several cities, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, Armenia and Manizales. Roads, buildings and other critical infrastructure were severely damaged in several areas. According to reports, around 1,600 buildings were damaged, while dozens of structures completely collapsed.

More Than 110 Dead, Thousands Missing

Initial figures following the earthquake indicate that more than 110 people have been confirmed dead. Many others have been injured, while around 2,700 people are reported missing. Rescue and relief operations are continuing, with teams searching for people trapped beneath the rubble. Authorities fear that the death toll and number of injured could rise further.

Tremors Felt for Nearly Two Minutes

The intensity and prolonged duration of the earthquake triggered widespread panic among residents. Eyewitness accounts from affected areas reported that the ground shook for nearly two minutes. Videos shared on social media showed buildings shaking, debris falling and people rushing toward safer locations.

Heavy Damage Reported in Several Cities

A large number of buildings were damaged in cities including Cali and Pereira. Some hospitals and public infrastructure also suffered damage. Power and communication services were disrupted in several areas, creating additional difficulties for rescue and relief operations. Assessing the full extent of the damage in the remote, forested areas of Chocó remains a major challenge.

Government Declares National Emergency

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national emergency to speed up relief and rescue operations. Security forces, firefighters and emergency response teams have been deployed to the affected areas. Rescue teams are working continuously to evacuate people trapped under collapsed structures.

Several aftershocks were also reported following the main earthquake, keeping residents on edge. Curfews and other precautionary security measures have been implemented in some areas. Operations at several regional airports were also affected.

International Assistance Offered

International assistance has also been offered to Colombia following the disaster. The United States and several other countries have expressed their willingness to support relief and rescue efforts.

At present, the top priority is to rescue people trapped under the rubble and provide affected families with food, water, medicines and other essential supplies.

Colombia is currently facing one of its most serious natural disasters, and the full extent of the damage is expected to become clearer as rescue and assessment operations continue.