Powerful 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Colombia, Killing at Least 111

On Aug. 10, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, claiming the lives of at least 111 people, injuring dozens of others, and causing widespread damage across the region. Rescue crews are now working around the clock to search amid collapsed buildings and debris for survivors.

The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the western department of Chocó, about 280 kilometers (174 miles) west of Bogotá, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers (66 miles) and was felt across much of the country. Tremors were felt as far away as Panama in the north.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a nationwide state of emergency and called for an emergency committee to coordinate search-and-rescue operations as authorities continued assessing the extent of the destruction. Evacuations for hundreds of residents were ordered across the country, including in Bogota, the capital.

Some of the heaviest casualties were initially reported in Pereira, where Mayor Mauricio Salazar said at least 18 people had died. In Manizales, Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas reported two deaths and warned that numerous structures had been damaged, including buildings that were completely destroyed.

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Widespread damage

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Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, was also hit hard. Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 20 buildings had collapsed and people were trapped beneath the rubble. Residents were urged to inspect buildings for structural damage and evacuate immediately if they discovered large cracks.

In Chocó’s capital, Quibdó, regional governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba Curi reported injuries and severe damage to buildings while warning residents to remain alert for aftershocks.

The earthquake also disrupted air travel. Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority reported damage at airports serving Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, forcing flight operations to be temporarily suspended.

Strong shaking was felt as far away as Bogotá, where alarms sounded and people poured out of buildings into the streets. “At this time, there are no reports of injuries or structural damage, only some cracks in a few buildings,” Bogotá Mayor Carlos Galán wrote on X.

According to USGS estimates, more than 2 million people experienced very strong shaking, a level capable of causing significant damage to poorly constructed buildings. Early modeling also indicated the disaster carried the potential for a substantial death toll as rescuers continued reaching affected communities.

Region still reeling from earlier quakes

Monday’s earthquake comes less than two months after neighboring Venezuela was devastated by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on June 24. Those quakes killed more than 5,000 people, injured thousands more, and caused widespread destruction, with tremors also felt in Colombia.

The latest disaster has prompted offers of international assistance. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration was prepared to support the Colombian people, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government was ready to provide aid and assistance.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele also offered to deploy rescue teams, medical personnel, first responders, and emergency supplies. “We pray for the families of the victims, the injured, and all the Colombian people who are going through difficult times today,” Bukele wrote.

He added, “We are in communication with Colombia and are ready to provide immediate support, including sending our rescue teams, medical personnel and first responders, as well as supplies, or any other assistance our Colombian brothers and sisters deem necessary.”