Colombia rocked by 7.4-magnitude earthquake as death toll reaches 22

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck large parts of Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 22 people dead, dozens of others trapped under rubble and numerous buildings damaged or collapsed. The death toll remains provisional as emergency teams continue search-and-rescue operations.

Pereira is currently the city with the highest number of fatalities, with 18 deaths reported. Fatalities have also been recorded in Manizales and Quibdó.

The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) initially reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.7, but later revised the figure upwards to 7.4. 

Así se sintió en Pereira. #Temblor pic.twitter.com/S7Eqdb4pLO

— Susana De León (@Susanadeleonc) August 10, 2026

The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó. The tremor was strongly felt across several cities in central and western Colombia, including Bogotá, Cali, Popayán, Manizales, Armenia, Pereira and Medellín.

At least 20 buildings collapse in Cali

Cali is one of the cities to have suffered the greatest material damage. The city's mayor, Alejandro Eder, said that at least 20 buildings have collapsed and that dozens of people are trapped beneath the rubble.

Emergency services have begun inspecting damaged buildings while rescue operations continue. Falling façades and structural damage have also been reported at several properties across the city.

In Manizales, the provisional death toll stands at two people. Several buildings have suffered façade damage, while one of the towers of the city's cathedral has also been affected.

Pereira has so far been the area hardest hit by the earthquake. Authorities have reported 18 deaths and extensive structural damage to buildings, some of which have partially collapsed. The city's airport has also been affected.

In Bogotá, no major structural damage has been detected so far, although cracks have been reported in some buildings.

Colombian government activates emergency response

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has taken charge of coordinating the emergency response and ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post to coordinate assistance and rescue operations.

The president has also requested a detailed report from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) on the situation and the most urgent needs in the affected areas.

De la Espriella has announced that he will travel personally to Pereira to meet with those affected and oversee the authorities' response.

Meanwhile, Colombia's maritime authorities have ruled out a tsunami threat along the country's coastline.

The UNGRD is maintaining communication with regional authorities and the organisations that form part of Colombia's National Disaster Risk Management System to assess any further damage.

Seven airports suspend operations

The earthquake has also forced the temporary suspension of operations at seven airports: Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, Cali and Buenaventura.

Aviation authorities took the measure on safety grounds while inspections are carried out to determine whether the airport facilities have suffered structural damage.

Operations will remain suspended until inspections are completed and authorities determine that the terminals can safely resume normal activity.