Colombia Earthquake: 7.4-Magnitude Quake Kills 132, Damages 1,600 Buildings; Videos Show Destruction

Bogotá: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026, causing widespread destruction and leaving more than 100 people dead. The death toll was reported at 132 in later updates, while more than 570 people were injured as rescue teams searched damaged and collapsed buildings for survivors.

The earthquake caused significant damage across several parts of western Colombia, with authorities reporting damage to around 1,600 buildings and homes. Dramatic videos from affected areas showed buildings shaking violently, structures collapsing and residents fleeing into the streets.

7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia

The powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning and was felt across a wide area, including major cities.

According to seismic authorities, the earthquake measured 7.4 magnitude and occurred at a depth of approximately 107 kilometres. The epicentre was reported near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, west of Bogotá.

The strong tremor caused panic in several cities, with residents rushing out of homes and buildings as the ground shook.

Cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia and Quibdó reported damage following the earthquake.

Around 1,600 Buildings Damaged

The earthquake caused extensive structural damage across affected areas.

Authorities reported that approximately 1,600 homes and buildings were damaged, while dozens of structures suffered severe damage or collapsed completely.

Damage to hospitals, schools and other public infrastructure has added to the challenges facing emergency services.

Rescue teams, firefighters, police officers and local residents have been working together to clear rubble and search damaged buildings for people who may still be trapped.

Dramatic Videos Show Buildings Crumbling

Videos recorded during and immediately after the earthquake showed the terrifying impact of the tremor.

Footage from affected areas showed buildings shaking, walls and other structures collapsing, and large clouds of dust spreading through streets. In some videos, residents could be seen running away from buildings as the ground continued to shake.

Other footage showed residents gathering outside buildings following evacuations, while emergency workers inspected damaged structures.

The videos also captured the panic among residents as they tried to move away from damaged buildings and find safer locations.

Warning About Earthquake Videos

Videos circulating online should be verified carefully before being republished. Major natural disasters often lead to old or unrelated footage being reshared as new.

Publishers should verify the date, location and original source of any earthquake video before embedding or uploading it to a website or social media platform.

Death Toll Rises as Rescue Operations Continue

The death toll increased as authorities reached more affected areas.

Initial reports put the number of deaths at more than 100, while later reports cited a toll of 132 people. More than 570 people were reported injured.

The final casualty figure could change as rescue and recovery operations continue, particularly in areas where communications and access have been affected.

Emergency workers have been searching collapsed structures and damaged buildings for survivors. Local residents have also joined rescue efforts, helping emergency teams remove debris.

Colombia Declares National Emergency

The Colombian government declared a national emergency following the earthquake and mobilised resources for rescue, medical assistance and recovery operations.

President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered government agencies to respond to the disaster and assist affected communities.

Several airports and other infrastructure in western Colombia were also affected, creating additional difficulties for transportation and emergency response.

International assistance was also announced as countries offered support to Colombia following the disaster.

Strong Aftershocks Raise Concerns

Following the main earthquake, authorities reported additional seismic activity and warned residents to remain cautious.

Aftershocks can cause further damage to buildings that have already been weakened by the initial earthquake. Emergency authorities therefore urged residents to avoid entering severely damaged structures until they have been inspected and declared safe.

The disaster has also renewed attention on Colombia's exposure to seismic activity. The country lies in a tectonically active region of South America and has experienced major earthquakes in the past.

Rescue Teams Search for Survivors

Rescue operations remained the priority as emergency workers continued searching through damaged buildings.

Firefighters, police officers, medical teams and volunteers have been working to locate survivors and provide assistance to injured people.

The situation remained fluid, with authorities continuing to assess the extent of the damage and update casualty figures.

For families affected by the disaster, the immediate focus is on finding missing relatives, receiving medical care and securing temporary shelter.

Colombia Earthquake: Key Facts

• Magnitude: 7.4
• Date: August 10, 2026
• Location: Western Colombia
• Epicentre: Near San José del Palmar, Chocó
• Depth: Approximately 107 km
• Deaths: Up to 132 reported in later updates
• Injured: More than 570
• Buildings and homes damaged: Around 1,600
• Major affected cities: Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia and Quibdó
• Response: National emergency declared; rescue and relief operations underway

Conclusion

The 7.4-magnitude Colombia earthquake has caused widespread damage and a major humanitarian emergency across parts of western Colombia. With more than 100 people reported dead, hundreds injured and thousands of buildings affected, rescue teams continue to search for survivors while authorities assess the full scale of the disaster.

Dramatic videos from the earthquake have highlighted the force of the tremor, showing buildings shaking and collapsing as residents rushed to safety. As rescue and recovery operations continue, authorities are expected to provide further updates on casualties, damage and the needs of affected communities.