Colombia Declares State of Emergency After 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Kills 111

 

People look for survivors amid the rubble of a collapsed building
after an earthquake in Pereira, Colombia, on August 10, 2026.
(Photo by JAIME SALDARRIAGA / AFP)

Colombia has declared a state of emergency after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the western part of the country, killing at least 111 people and leaving dozens injured.

The earthquake struck at about 7:34 am local time on Monday, August 10, with its epicentre in the coastal Chocó region at a depth of approximately 100 kilometres. The powerful tremor caused widespread destruction, with more than 1,000 buildings reported damaged and several structures collapsing completely.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who had taken office only three days earlier, declared the emergency as rescue teams worked to reach people trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

“The national government is maintaining all its capacities deployed to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver aid to every area that needs it,” the President said.

Rescue teams search for survivors

The disaster triggered urgent rescue operations across several Colombian cities.

Pereira, one of the worst affected areas, recorded at least 40 deaths in the Risaralda region, according to local authorities cited in the report. In Cali, Colombia's third largest city, at least 20 buildings collapsed, with people reportedly trapped beneath the rubble.

In Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, authorities reported extensive damage, while residents described a desperate search for missing relatives and neighbours.

The earthquake also damaged parts of Manizales, where a section of a cathedral tower collapsed. Residents in the city were reluctant to return home because of fears of aftershocks.

Earthquake felt across neighbouring countries

The tremor was strong enough to be felt beyond Colombia, including in Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.

In Bogotá, the Colombian capital, buildings were evacuated after the earthquake struck, although only limited damage was reported there. Many residents rushed into the streets in their night clothes after feeling the powerful shaking.

Six small airports in western Colombia temporarily suspended operations, while the country's football authorities postponed scheduled matches as emergency response efforts continued.

International support offered

The scale of the disaster has prompted offers of assistance from several countries and international organisations.

The United States said it was closely monitoring the situation and was prepared to support Colombia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also said the European Union was ready to provide assistance and had mobilised its Copernicus satellite service to support rescue operations.

Israel, Mexico, Ecuador and France also offered assistance to Colombia following the earthquake.

Government prioritises rescue and relief

The Colombian government is now focused on rescuing survivors, providing emergency assistance and assessing damage across affected communities.

With reports of missing people still emerging from badly affected areas, rescue workers and local authorities continue to search collapsed structures while emergency agencies assess the full impact of the disaster.

The earthquake has also raised concerns about further tremors, with residents in some affected cities remaining outside their homes because of fears of aftershocks.

Key facts about the Colombia earthquake

• Magnitude: 7.4
• Date: August 10, 2026
• Deaths: At least 111
• Injured: 87
• Buildings damaged: More than 1,000
• Epicentre: Chocó region, western Colombia
• Depth: About 100 kilometres
• Major affected areas: Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales
• Emergency response: Colombia declared a state of emergency
• International assistance: Offers received from the US, EU, Israel, Mexico, Ecuador and France.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in Colombia?

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, causing widespread damage and killing at least 111 people.

Where was the Colombia earthquake centred?

The epicentre was in Colombia's coastal Chocó region, at a depth of approximately 100 kilometres.

How many people died in the Colombia earthquake?

Authorities reported at least 111 deaths and 87 injuries in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.

Which Colombian cities were badly affected?

Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales were among the areas reporting significant damage and casualties.

Why did Colombia declare a state of emergency?

The declaration enables the government to accelerate rescue, relief and assistance efforts following the widespread destruction caused by the earthquake.