A severe 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, resulting in at least 18 deaths and extensive structural damage. The tremors, originating 100 kilometers underground, were felt as far as Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. In Pereira, Mayor Mauricio Salazar confirmed the deaths, describing the regional situation as critical. Similarly, significant destruction was reported in Quibdo, the capital of Choco province, and in Cali, where Mayor Alejandro Eder noted that at least 20 buildings had collapsed with people trapped inside.
Emergency responders and local authorities are working to locate survivors beneath the debris. While the city of Bogota experienced building evacuations and minor facade cracks, the impact was much more severe in the western provinces. The Colombian civil aeronautics agency suspended operations at six regional airports to address the crisis. President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared his intention to visit the hardest-hit areas as rescue operations continue. This event follows a recent series of fatal earthquakes in Venezuela, adding to the regional instability.
