Atleast 111 dead as 7.4-magnitude earthquake devastates Colombia
August 10 2026
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, sending residents fleeing buildings and causing widespread structural damage across several municipalities.
Dramatic video circulating on social media captured the moment the earthquake violently shook a church in Venecia, with debris falling from the structure as the tremors intensified.
Reuters has published footage showing buildings and the church shaking during the earthquake, with portions of the church’s exterior breaking away.
The earthquake was centered near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó department, at a depth of roughly 107 kilometres, according to Reuters. The powerful tremor was felt across much of the country, including major cities such as Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales.
The disaster has resulted in significant loss of life. The latest reports from Reuters and AP put the death toll at at least 111 people, with 87 others injured, while emergency crews continue searching damaged structures for survivors.
Hundreds of buildings have reportedly been damaged, and people remain trapped beneath rubble in some affected areas.
Among the most visible damage was reported in Manizales, where the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a prominent neo-Gothic landmark, sustained major structural damage. Other buildings collapsed or were severely damaged in affected communities.
Colombian authorities have launched a major emergency response, with rescue teams working to reach affected communities.
Operations have been complicated by the difficult terrain and limited access to some rural areas of Chocó, one of the country’s more remote regions.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency and said the government’s priority was rescuing people trapped beneath the rubble and providing assistance to affected communities. International assistance has also been offered as Colombia responds to one of its strongest earthquakes in recent years.
Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the destruction as rescue and recovery operations remain underway.
