Earthquake of magnitude 7.4 shakes Colombia
EL RIGOR · 10 de agosto de 2026, 21:46 · 2 min read
Cross-checked in sources from 20minutos, El País, Europa Press, elDiario.es
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has struck Colombia, leaving more than fifty dead and causing significant material damage in several cities. The epicentre of the quake was located in the town of San José del Palmar, in the Pacific coast department of Chocó.
The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 82 kilometres, is the most powerful recorded in Colombia in the last decade. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the intensity of the tremor is estimated using the Mercalli scale, where the redder the area on the map, the stronger the earthquake was felt.
The areas most affected by the earthquake are in the Chocó region, a coastal zone that has suffered considerable structural damage. Local authorities have reported the destruction of buildings and homes, as well as disruptions to basic services such as water and electricity in some areas.
The earthquake has prompted an immediate response from Colombian authorities. Rescue and relief teams have been deployed to the worst-hit areas to assess the situation and provide assistance to those affected. Additionally, safety measures have been implemented to prevent potential aftershocks and ensure the evacuation of dangerous areas.
According to elDiario.es, the earthquake has caused more than fifty deaths, although the exact number of victims and injured individuals has yet to be confirmed. Authorities continue to conduct search and rescue operations in the hardest-hit zones, aiming to locate anyone who may be trapped under the rubble.
The department of Chocó, where the epicentre was registered, is a region with high seismic activity due to its geographical location. Located on the Pacific coast, this area forms part of the so-called "Ring of Fire," one of the most seismically active regions on the planet. This geological feature makes the region prone to earthquakes and other natural phenomena.
Colombian authorities have assured that all necessary measures are being taken to assist those affected and restore normalcy in the impacted areas. It is expected that over the next few hours, a clearer picture of the situation will emerge, along with more precise figures on the number of casualties and material damage.
In the meantime, authorities continue to monitor the situation and warn the population about the possibility of aftershocks. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay alert for official instructions and follow safety recommendations to minimise risks.
Pending are comprehensive damage assessments and the precise identification of the most affected areas. Colombian authorities will continue working to provide aid to those affected and restore normalcy in the impacted zones.
Piece prepared by the newsroom from cross-checked sources in several countries.