A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, forcing people to leave homes and buildings as the tremor was felt across Colombia and neighbouring Ecuador.
The earthquake struck at 3pm local report time on 10 August 2026, according to the supplied report. Its epicentre was identified near San Jose Del Palmar, a municipality in the Choco region around 250 miles (400 kilometres) west of the capital, Bogota.
Injuries and damage reported
Choco governor Nubia Cordoba said the regional capital had “there are injuries and serious damage to buildings”, although no further details were provided in the report.
Images and footage shared by local media showed homes and smaller buildings collapsing in Pereira, Cali and Quibdo. In Manizales, around 190 miles (300 kilometres) west of Bogota, part of a neo-Gothic cathedral also collapsed, with one tower falling onto the nave.
The US Geological Survey and Colombia’s counterpart said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 66 miles (107 kilometres). Residents in Bogota were pictured outside their homes after feeling the shaking.
Recovery response announced
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said he would personally supervise recovery efforts and establish an emergency centre in San Jose del Palmar.
The earthquake follows two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in Venezuela in late June. The supplied report said those earlier earthquakes destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed more than 5,000 people.
Further information about the number of injured people, the full extent of the damage and the next stages of the emergency response was not included in the report.