Powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake rocks Colombia; at least 132 dead
What's the story
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck western Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 132 people dead and causing extensive damage in cities like Quibdo, Pereira, and Cali, the BBC reported. The tremors were felt as far away as the capital Bogota and neighboring countries Venezuela and Ecuador. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was near San José del Palmar at a depth of 107km. The death toll is likely to rise, with many feared trapped.
Damage assessment
Airports affected, President announces emergency center
In Cali, 20 buildings collapsed, and people were trapped inside, according to the city's mayor.
Airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura were also affected as air operations were suspended.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced he would supervise recovery efforts personally and set up an emergency center in San José del Palmar. The country has also declared a state of emergency.
Regional impact
Major structural damage in Quibdo, serious damage in Pereira
Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi also confirmed injuries and major structural damage in Quibdo. She warned of possible aftershocks and said authorities were assessing the impact.
Risaralda province's governor Juan Diego Patino reported "serious damage to some buildings" in Pereira.
Bogota's mayor Carlos Galan said there was no major damage in the capital.
Twitter Post
Building collapses in Pereira
🚨🇨🇴 #Temblor | ÚLTIMA HORA
— Josué 𝕏 (@josueartex) August 10, 2026
Un edificio colapsó esta mañana en Pereira tras el fuerte sismo registrado con epicentro en San José del Palmar, Chocó.
Estas imágenes nos llegan desde la capital risaraldense. A esta hora se desconoce si hay personas atrapadas o víctimas.
Triste… pic.twitter.com/2IOJWnBhgF
Seismic history
Colombia prone to earthquakes; recent quakes in Venezuela were shallow
Colombia is one of South America's most earthquake-prone countries due to its location near tectonic plate boundaries.
The country has experienced over 100 destructive earthquakes, especially in the Andean region and along the Pacific coast.
In contrast, recent quakes in Venezuela were much shallower at depths of 10-22km, which made them more destructive.
Aftershocks felt
Earthquake's epicentre lies on 'Ring of Fire'
The earthquake was followed by two aftershocks measuring 2.8 and 4.8 on the Richter scale.
Residents have been evacuated from buildings due to fears of further tremors.
The Pacific area of Colombia, which is where the center of the recent earthquake is located, sits on the "Ring of Fire," a series of seismic faults that encircle the Pacific Ocean and are responsible for the majority of the world's earthquakes.
US support
Trump administration keeping close watch
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the Trump administration is closely monitoring the situation in the wake of the earthquake.
He took to the social media platform X to state that the administration "stands ready to support the people of Colombia," as well as Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, a close Trump ally.