Magnitude 7.4 earthquake kills councilman in Roldanillo, Colombia

On August 10, 2026, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake shook western Colombia and the Coffee Axis. The quake caused the death of councilman Juan Carlos García Castañeda from Roldanillo, and generated dozens of victims and extensive material damage.

The 7.4 earthquake in Colombia

The earthquake occurred on Monday morning, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó. According to President Abelardo de la Espriella, the event recorded 111 dead and 87 injured nationwide. The force of the quake was felt in several regions, including Antioquia, Bogotá, Risaralda, Manizales and Valle del Cauca.

Death of councilman Juan Carlos García Castañeda

Juan Carlos García Castañeda, a member of the Cambio Radical party, was engaged in physical activity inside a building when the structure collapsed. A beam fell on him, causing severe injuries that led to his death despite medical care. The politician was native of the corregimiento of Santa Rita and had ambitions to run for mayor of Roldanillo.

Official reactions and condolences

The National Confederation of Councils and Councilors issued messages of mourning for the passing of the councilor. In a Facebook post, it highlighted that the loss "mourns local democracy and our entire nation." Sentiments of solidarity were also expressed to the family, to the Municipal Council of Roldanillo and to all councilors across the country, with prayers for tranquility, protection and strength.

Material damage and victims nationwide

Beyond human casualties, the earthquake caused damage to 1,575 residences, of which 37 were completely destroyed. The assessment also identified 61 collapsed buildings, 18 affected health centers, 52 damaged educational institutions and 17 community centers with losses. The hardest‑hit areas were the west and the Coffee Axis.

Effects in other regions and countries

The quake also reached territories outside Colombia, being felt in Venezuela and Ecuador. The event joins the list of the strongest earthquakes recorded in the last decade in the country, occurring shortly after a similarly intense quake that struck Venezuela, which left 6,300 dead.

With information from El Colombiano.