A devastating earthquake has struck Colombia, claiming at least 132 lives and prompting a national emergency response. The magnitude 7.4 quake hit the Chocó province at 07:34 local time (12:34 GMT) on 10 August 2026, with a depth of 103 kilometres (64 miles). As rescue efforts continue, concerns mount over the potential for a rising death toll, as many individuals remain trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed structures.
A Catastrophic Event
The earthquake’s epicentre was located near San José del Palmar, but the city of Pereira, situated approximately 55 kilometres from the epicentre, has been one of the most severely affected areas. Local authorities report that at least 40 fatalities have occurred within Pereira’s metropolitan zone, where 65 buildings have collapsed. Emergency services are currently engaged in rescue operations to free those believed to be trapped within 15 of these structures. In response to the crisis, a curfew has been instituted in certain areas of the city until 05:00 local time on Tuesday.
In addition to Pereira, the cities of Cali and Manizales have also experienced significant destruction. Videos verified by the BBC depict buildings crumbling in Pereira’s Plaza Bolívar, a central gathering point for townsfolk. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with debris and dust filling the air as people fled for safety.
Widespread Impact Across Regions
Reports indicate that injuries have surpassed 480, as the earthquake’s tremors were felt across vast regions of western Colombia, extending into neighbouring countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. In Cali, approximately 160 kilometres south of Pereira, at least 32 buildings collapsed. Eyewitness accounts from residents like Dan Cutler, a British national in Cali, convey the terror of the moment. “I’ve never experienced anything like it,” he recounted. “We sprinted outside in our pyjamas.”
In Manizales, Angélica Ávila described the scene from her hotel, where she witnessed cracks forming in the walls around her. “Everyone was screaming… I saw dust coming out of the neighbouring buildings,” she recounted, illustrating the pandemonium as the quake struck.
The country’s aviation authority reported damage at multiple regional airports, including those in Pereira and Manizales, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
Government Response and International Solidarity
In the immediate aftermath, newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster, enabling special powers to manage the crisis effectively. He has confirmed that over 1,500 homes have sustained damage, highlighting the scale of the disaster. The president’s swift action comes just days after taking office, marking a significant challenge for his administration.
Global leaders have also reached out, offering condolences and assistance. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States is “closely monitoring” the situation and stands “ready to support.” Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the deployment of the EU’s Copernicus satellite for rescue operations, and the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, extended an offer of personnel and equipment to aid Colombian efforts.
The Science Behind the Quake
According to the US Geological Survey, approximately 1.5 million individuals felt the quake’s intensity, which, despite its depth, resulted in substantial damage. Deep earthquakes can be deceptively perilous, often leading to fewer but more powerful aftershocks that can exacerbate damage to already weakened structures.
Why it Matters
This earthquake marks one of the most significant natural disasters to impact Colombia in recent years, with far-reaching consequences for the nation. The immediate humanitarian crisis and the potential for a lengthy recovery process highlight the vulnerabilities of communities to seismic activity. As Colombia grapples with the aftermath, the international community’s support will be crucial in providing relief and rebuilding efforts, underscoring the global interconnectedness in facing natural disasters.