World

Colombia: Magnitude 7.4 earthquake kills at least 240 people

Herz — World Desk · 11 August 2026 at 20:29 · 30s summary · 2 min read

The essentials

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia at 7:34 a.m. on August 10, 2026, killing at least 240 people and injuring more than 1,300. The epicentre was in Chocó department, near San José del Palmar. About 2,000 people were reported missing, while collapsed buildings and nearly 50 aftershocks complicated rescue operations. Colombia declared a national state of emergency. Swiss authorities were assessing possible assistance on August 11, but had not announced a deployment. No Swiss casualties had been reported, and the Swiss Red Cross was evaluating humanitarian needs.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Chocó on August 10.
At least 240 people were killed and more than 1,300 injured.
About 2,000 people were reported missing.
Switzerland was assessing possible aid, with no deployment announced by August 11.

What we know

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia at 7:34 a.m. on August 10, 2026. According to Le Temps, the death toll reported on August 11 had reached at least 240, with more than 1,300 people injured.

The epicentre was in Chocó department, near San José del Palmar on the Pacific coast. The shaking was also felt in Bogotá, Cali and Medellín.

The earthquake was described as Colombia's deadliest of the century and the most powerful to hit the region in ten years.

Collapsed buildings and continuing searches

The earthquake caused extensive damage in several cities in western Colombia. Buildings collapsed, leaving people trapped under rubble.

President Abelardo de la Espriella said about 1,500 homes were damaged and 61 buildings collapsed. About 2,000 people were reported missing.

Residents, volunteers, soldiers and emergency services were taking part in the searches. Thousands of Colombian Red Cross volunteers were also helping to rescue survivors.

Nearly 50 aftershocks were recorded following the main earthquake. Six airports suspended operations.

The Colombian government declared a national state of emergency after the earthquake.

A rapidly rising death toll

August 10, 2026, at 7:34 a.m.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes western Colombia.
Initial provisional reports
The first counts report at least 20 or 22 deaths.
Subsequent reports
The death toll rises above 100, then reaches 164 and 169.
August 11, 2026
The reported toll reaches at least 240 deaths and more than 1,300 injuries.