A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, shaking multiple provinces across the country. Local officials reported several injuries and some building damage.
On Monday, 10 Aug 2026 GMT+7, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia at 07:34 local time. The epicenter was located 107 km deep near San José del Palmar in Chocó Province, about 280 kilometers west of Bogotá.
Nubia Carolina Córdoba Curí, governor of Chocó Province in northwestern Colombia, confirmed that in Quibdó, the provincial capital, "there are injured people and severe damage to buildings and homes," expressing concern about possible aftershocks.
"We have just experienced a major earthquake in Chocó Province, and we are worried about aftershocks. Although the epicenter is near San José del Palmar, there are injuries and significant structural damage in Quibdó, the provincial capital. We are currently assessing the damage and will release an official report soon," she said.
Meanwhile, Juan Diego Patiño, governor of neighboring Risaralda Province, told local radio station Blu Radio that "there is severe damage to some buildings" in Pereira, the provincial capital. "What just happened was very intense. The scenes are shocking, with injuries and collapsed building facades."
In Bogotá, strong tremors were felt, triggering alarm sirens. Many residents evacuated buildings and took to the streets for safety.
Carlos Galán, mayor of Bogotá, posted on X that "there are currently no reports of injuries or structural damage, only some cracks in buildings."
The U.S. tsunami warning system confirmed that no tsunami warning has been issued.
Separately, Reuters reporters in Táchira state on Venezuela's border and in Barquisimeto in the country's west-central region also reported feeling the tremors.
Venezuela recently experienced two consecutive strong earthquakes in June, resulting in over 6,000 deaths, mostly near the coastal area close to Caracas.
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Source:reuters