Powerful earthquake shakes Colombia and Ecuador

A powerful earthquake in western Colombia on Monday shook the South American nation and neighboring Ecuador, prompting people to evacuate homes and buildings. The United States Geological Survey and Colombia's counterpart both reported a 7.4 magnitude, while relatively deep. Both reported the epicenter in San Jose Del Palmar, a community about 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Colombia’s capital, Bogota.Choco province Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi stated that many injuries have been reported and there was severe damage to buildings. Córdoba-Curi added that damage assessments are underway.

Acabamos de pasar un grave evento sísmico en el departamento del Chocó. Nos preocupan las réplicas. Aunque el epicentro fue San José del Palmar, en la capital Quibdó hay heridos y graves daños en las edificaciones. Ya estamos haciendo la evaluación de daños para emitir el primer… https://t.co/tqfFPcdVx7

— Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi (@NubiaCarolinaCC) August 10, 2026

Authorities are conducting search-and-rescue operations and assessing the situation, though no official casualty figures have been released yet.The tremor was felt in several parts of Colombia, including areas far from the epicentre.Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) stated that there is no tsunami threat.

BREAKING: A 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck the San José del Palma region of Colombia, with the mayor of Choco stating that, "there are injuries and severe damage to buildings, and we are concerned about aftershocks" pic.twitter.com/ZkZaOtunM9

— StrandenOSINT (@StrandenOSINT) August 10, 2026

This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the seismic risks in Colombia and the need for robust disaster preparedness.Colombia is one of South America's most seismically active countries. Its location near several tectonic plate boundaries and major fault systems means earthquakes can occur across different parts of the country. The Colombian Geological Service says the country has recorded more than 100 destructive earthquakes, particularly in the Andean region, the eastern foothills of the Eastern Cordillera and the Pacific region.