---
title: "Deadly 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/deadly-7-4-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-western-colombia-jerc3
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
published: 2026-08-11T03:49:33.891Z
modified: 2026-08-11T06:31:34.254Z
language: en-IN
---

# Deadly 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 23 people and collapsing multiple buildings in the city of Cali. The seismic event, centered in the Chocó department, triggered evacuations across the country and neighboring Ecuador.

## Key takeaways

- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck near San José del Palmar at 07:34 local time on August 10, 2026.
- The disaster resulted in at least 23 confirmed deaths across Pereira, Manizales, Buenaventura, and Quibdó.
- Cali reported the collapse of at least 20 buildings, with search and rescue operations ongoing for trapped residents.
- New President Abelardo de la Espriella is personally coordinating the relief effort from the Eje Cafetero region.

## What Happened

A major earthquake recorded at a magnitude of 7.4 occurred at 07:34 local time on Monday, August 10, 2026. The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) and the U.S. Geological Survey identified the epicenter near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department, located in western Colombia along the Pacific coast. The tremor originated at a depth between 66 and 82 kilometers.

Authorities have confirmed at least 23 fatalities. Casualties include 18 deaths in Pereira, three in Manizales, one in Buenaventura, and one in Quibdó. Major cities including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali reported strong tremors, while evacuations were also conducted in neighboring Ecuador.

## Impact and Damage

The city of Cali faced significant structural failures, with Mayor Alejandro Eder reporting the collapse of at least 20 buildings. Rescue teams are working to reach individuals trapped beneath debris in the Capri and Avenida Roosevelt sectors. Notable structural damage occurred at the Molino Rojo motel and several sites near the Canchas Panamericanas. Mayor Eder has requested additional rescue personnel from Bogotá and Medellín to assist with the emergency.

In the Eje Cafetero region, Manizales suffered structural damage to a cathedral tower and partial facade collapses. Residents in affected areas reported the total loss of cellular networks and electricity following the quake. Chocó Governor Nubia Córdoba confirmed multiple injuries and severe building damage in the regional capital.

## Response

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office three days prior to the event, announced he is traveling to Pereira to oversee the government response. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) is currently coordinating with local authorities to assess the full extent of the damage. Representative Astrid Sánchez Montes de Oca has called for urgent medical support and military overflights along the San Juan River to reach isolated communities.

## Key Facts

- Magnitude: 7.4
- Epicenter: San José del Palmar, Chocó
- Time: 07:34 local time (12:34 GMT), August 10, 2026
- Confirmed Fatalities: 23
- Impacted Areas: Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Buenaventura
- Infrastructure: At least 20 buildings collapsed in Cali; widespread power and cellular outages in the coffee-growing region.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/deadly-7-4-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-western-colombia-jerc3
Reported from: Multiple Sources