7.4 earthquake in Colombia: emergency numbers and how to report
Check national and local numbers to request help after the August 10, 2026 earthquake
On the morning of August 10, 2026, a magnitude 7.4 quake struck Colombia at 7:34 a.m., with an approximate depth of 103 km and an epicenter in José del Palmar, Chocó, according to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC). The tremor put several regions on alert, requiring residents to promptly report damage, injuries, or collapse risks.
Earthquake details
The Colombian Geological Service reported that the seismic movement occurred at a depth of about 103 km with the epicenter located in José del Palmar, Chocó department. The recorded magnitude was 7.4. Authorities prioritized identifying affected areas and attending to emergencies in the first hours after the event.
National emergency lines
Across the country, citizens can call the following lines to report injured persons, structural damage, fires, rescues, or other situations resulting from the quake:
- 123 – single emergency line
- 111 – disaster attention
- 119 – Firefighters
- 125 – ambulances and medical emergencies
- 132 – Colombian Red Cross
- 144 – Colombian Civil Defense
- 126 – Road Police
Local numbers in Medellín and surrounding areas
Some municipalities of the Medellín Metropolitan Area provide specific channels:
- Medellín: 123
- Bello – landline: (604) 444 01 19; mobile: 301 742 10 18
- Girardota – landline: (604) 444 72 81, option 1; WhatsApp/mobile: 321 758 52 42
- Barbosa – landline: (604) 574 44 81; mobile: 317 429 44 07
- Copacabana – landline: (604) 401 51 10
- Itagüí – landline: (604) 372 65 60
- Envigado – landline: (604) 276 66 66
- La Estrella – landline: (604) 444 67 73, option 1; mobile: 301 125 16 16
- Sabaneta – landline: (604) 288 53 51; mobile: 313 735 21 25
- Caldas – landline: (604) 303 66 81; WhatsApp/mobile: 300 419 56 70
Itagüí channel and online form
The Itagüí municipality also enabled an online form for residents to register structural damage and other impacts. The online registration allows authorities to receive the report and carry out the necessary follow‑up.
Other municipalities and specific services
In Quibdó, one of the most affected areas, the assistance lines include Civil Defense (144 or 310 330 5140 and 311 356 2952), Cruz Roja Chocó (321 897 90 67), Firefighters (313 753 08 68) and Risk Management/Codechó (310 849 1166). In Cali, 117 (Emcali) and 164 (gas leak assistance) are used. In Armenia, the number 316 233 2682 serves the Fire Department, with call and WhatsApp options. In Manizales, the Fire Department provides landlines such as 606 863 2708, 606 863 2759, 606 863 2761, 606 863 2762, 606 896 2754, 606 896 9881, 606 896 1497 and 606 896 2150 for cases of congestion on 119.
The Colombian Geological Service continues to monitor seismic activity through a network of 339 stations distributed nationwide. Given the possibility of aftershocks, authorities recommend that emergency lines be used only when there is a genuine need, avoiding congestion and ensuring prompt response to critical situations.
With information from El Colombiano.
Source: El Colombiano