World
Colombia: 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Chocó region leaves 216 dead
On August 10, 2026 at 07:34, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia with its epicenter in the Chocó department near San José del Palmar. The death toll was revised to 216, with over 1,600 injured and approximately 2,000 missing. The Colombian government declared a national state of emergency. Hundreds of buildings were destroyed, several hospitals in Cali sustained damage, and the majority of Pereira's 480,000 residents lost electricity. Material damage is estimated at a minimum of $6.3 billion, or roughly 1% of Colombia's GDP. This is the deadliest earthquake in Colombia since the 21st century began. Search and rescue operations continue across affected cities.