Colombia declares emergency after 7.4 earthquake

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 11, 2026

Photo courtesy: AP News

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, killing at least 66 people and triggering search-and-rescue operations across several cities as authorities warned that the death toll could still rise.

The quake was centered near the municipality of San José del Palmar in Chocó province, in the country’s west, at a depth of roughly 100 kilometers, according to Colombian authorities. Tremors were felt as far as Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela, prompting inspections in border areas of those countries.

Colombia’s Geological Service described it as the strongest earthquake to hit the country in the past decade. Aftershocks continued to be felt after the initial quake.

Casualties across multiple cities

The city of Pereira recorded the highest number of deaths in initial reports, with 18 people killed. Video footage showed debris falling inside the city’s airport terminal as passengers scrambled for shelter.

In Cali, at least 20 buildings collapsed, with people reported trapped beneath the rubble. Rescuers pulled two survivors from the debris while operations continued in at least 12 areas considered critical.

In Valle del Cauca province, three children died after a wall collapsed in Calima El Darién, and one additional death was reported in Zarzal.

Buenaventura recorded one death after a building collapse, and authorities also reported damage to a bridge in the area.

In Manizales, several buildings collapsed, including damage to a church tower, and deep cracks were found in multiple structures. Two deaths were reported in the city.

In Quibdó, the capital of Chocó province, authorities reported serious damage to buildings and a number of injuries, though no fatalities were specified in initial reports.

Access into and out of San José del Palmar, near the earthquake’s epicenter, was largely cut off after debris blocked and damaged the main roads leading to the town.

Bogotá shaken but no major structural damage reported

In the capital, Bogotá, residents and office workers fled into the streets as emergency alarms sounded and the ground shook strongly. Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán said there had been no reports of serious structural damage in the capital, adding that most of the cracks observed in buildings did not appear to affect their foundations.

Flights suspended, schools closed

Airport operations were temporarily suspended in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura and Cali as authorities assessed possible damage to runways and terminals.

Classes were also suspended in schools and universities in Manizales while building inspections were underway.

Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said there was no tsunami threat along the country’s Pacific coast following the quake.

President takes direct charge of response

President Abelardo De La Espriella canceled his scheduled activities to personally oversee the government’s emergency response.

Several countries have offered support. The United States said it was prepared to provide assistance, while El Salvador offered rescue teams, medical personnel, paramedics and supplies. Italy, Portugal, Ukraine and Israel also extended condolences and offers of support.

Authorities remain on alert for the possibility of stronger aftershocks as they continue to assess the full extent of the damage and the number of casualties.