Terremoto de magnitude 7,4 sacode o Chocó e deixa dezenas de mortos

Around 8:00 a.m. on August 10, 2026, cries for help echoed in about 40 Colombian municipalities as a strong tremor began shaking the region. The Colombian Geological Service identified the epicenter in San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department, magnitude 7.4 on the Richter scale and a depth of 82 kilometers.

The 7.4 earthquake in Chocó

The quake was felt even in neighboring countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru, but western Colombia bore the brunt. By noon, authorities reported more than 70 dead, 69 injured and dozens missing. Chocó governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi confirmed the initial impacts: “Acabamos de pasar un grave evento sísmico en el departamento del Chocó. Nos preocupan las réplicas”.

Damage and casualties in major cities

In Manizales, the mayor reported two deaths and the total collapse of more than ten buildings, as well as over 20 houses that fell. In Cali, the Cuarto de Legua neighborhood saw a five- to seven‑story residential building collapse, leaving between 10 and 15 people possibly trapped in the debris, along with two pets. Carlos Saavedra’s account provided a concrete case: “Ellos eran cinco personas, entre ellas unas trillizas, rescataron una con vida y se la llevaron para la clínica”.

Response from authorities and rescue teams

Organizations such as Firefighters, Civil Defense, Red Cross, Army, Police and specialized rescue groups were mobilized. Authorities maintain a presence on the streets to attend emergencies and ensure public safety, while advancing assessments and searches for the missing.

Impact on transportation services

In Medellín, metro operations were suspended as a precaution; lines A and B, as well as the Metrocable lines H, J, K, L, M and P, were halted, along with the Oriente tunnel, which was closed in both directions for a few minutes before being reopened. On the highway to Urabá, the Fuemia bypass was closed from 9:00 due to the quake, initially for one hour, with the possibility of extension.

Situation in hospitals and airports

Governor Juan Diego Patiño warned of problems at hospitals in Risaralda, citing the need for electric generators at Santa Mônica Hospital in Dosquebradas to keep it operational. At the Matecaña International Airport, three deaths occurred after parts of the structure detached, leading to the terminal’s closure for damage assessment.

With information from El Colombiano.