Powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes Colombia, widespread destruction continues to unfold

Media Contact :

Brian P. Duss
Senior Public Relations Manager
[email protected]
m 202-679-1620

Highlights

  • The earthquake is the strongest felt in the past decade, according to the Colombian Geological Survey
  • Preliminary reports indicate severe damage and injuries in the department of Chocó, where the epicenter was located
  • World Vision has activated its crisis committee and stands ready to assess and respond
On the morning of Monday, August 10, 2026, a strong earthquake struck Colombia at around 7:34 a.m. Its epicenter was in the municipality of San José del Palmar, in the Chocó Department, at a depth of approximately 82 kilometers. The Colombian Geological Service initially reported a magnitude of 6.7, which was later updated to 7.4. The earthquake was felt across different parts of the country, including Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia and Popayán. Credit: Cristhian Camilo Moreno/World Vision

BOGOTÁ, Colombia (August 10, 2026) — A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake shook several cities across Colombia this morning killing at least 77. Areas affected include the capital, Bogotá, as well as Manizales, Pereira and Cali. The epicenter was recorded in Palmar, in the department of Chocó, on the country’s Pacific coast.

World Vision has activated its emergency committee and is assessing the situation.

In Cali, several areas remain without electricity and water, while communication systems are down and overwhelmed. The earthquake, which had a depth of 88 kilometers, was felt in Ecuador and in Panama, where metro service was even suspended as a precaution in response to the seismic alert.

“I live north of Cali and was at home with my mother on the second floor,” said Senior Operations Director Shirley Hidalgo for World Vision in Colombia. “The earthquake caught us early in the morning. It was a very long, strong movement. When it stopped, we went outside and all our neighbors were in the street. My father was on his way to a farm south of the city. On his way back, along Cali’s Fifth Avenue, which runs across the city, he saw many buildings collapsed and damaged. In my house and my neighborhood there were mostly cracks and fallen masonry, but we are safe. We are currently without power, without water and internet service is intermittent, but we are fine.”

The Colombian Geological Survey reported that this was the strongest earthquake recorded in the past decade. Following the main tremor, two aftershocks of magnitude 2.8 and 4.8 on the Richter scale have been registered.

“The event shook us early in the morning. Some people were on their way to work, while others were caught at home. Preliminary reports point to severe damage in the cities of Cali, Quibdó —the capital of the department of Chocó— and at Pereira airport. Injuries have already been reported in that city,” said Corporate Security Manager for World Vision in Colombia Raúl Rodríguez.

“Right now, we are confirming that our staff are safe, and we are assessing the possible impact on the communities where we are present. As an organization committed to children, we are monitoring the situation and stand ready to assess and respond to any needs that may arise,” said World Vision ‘s National Director for Colombia and Venezuela Peter Gape.

To support World Vision’s emergency response work, visit: https://donate.worldvision.org/give/disaster-relief

 

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.