Colombia Hit by Strongest Quake This Century: Over 100 Dead

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on the morning of August 10, 2026, becoming the strongest quake recorded in the country this century.

The epicenter was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department. The tremor was felt across much of Colombia and in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. Buildings collapsed in cities including Cali, Pereira, and Manizales.According to President Abelardo de la Espriella, who had only been in office for three days, the confirmed death toll stands at 111, with at least 87 injured. More than 1,500 homes were damaged, 37 completely destroyed, and 61 buildings collapsed. Eighteen health centers and 52 schools also suffered damage.

Rescue teams and civilians worked through the night searching for survivors trapped under rubble. In Cali alone, at least 32 buildings collapsed. Airports in several cities suspended operations, and a curfew was imposed in some affected areas.

The government declared a national state of emergency to speed up response and allocate resources. International offers of assistance have already begun arriving from multiple countries.

Search and rescue efforts continue as authorities warn the death toll may still rise.