SAN JOSÉ DEL PALMAR — The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the magnitude 7.4 earthquake on 2026-08-10 and reported the earthquake depth as approximately 66.5 miles (110 km). Colombia's geological service reported the earthquake depth as 96 km (60 miles). Earthquake sirens blared in Bogotá, and residents evacuated homes and buildings in Bogotá and other areas.

The U.S. Geological Survey stated that residents in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali reported feeling the shaking. Witnesses reported feeling the shaking in Barranquilla and in Ecuador. The Colombia Maritime Authority stated there are no tsunami threats.

Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi of Chocó reported injuries and significant structural impact. "Damage assessments are ongoing in Quibdó," Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi said. She expressed concern about possible aftershocks.

Footage shared by El Tiempo showed a collapsed building in Manizales. Social media video showed the collapsed spire of a church in Manizales. A nearby building in Manizales had deep fissures in its façade. Colombia's aviation authority reported damage at regional airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella stated he is leading the emergency response and will travel to the quake zone. Bogotá Mayor Carlos F. Galán stated that no structural damage was reported in Bogotá.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 5.0 aftershock less than an hour after the main quake. This seismic activity follows earlier reports from PureSource News on 2026-06-29 regarding a U.S. Geological Survey report of a 5.5 earthquake off the coast. Earlier coverage on 2026-06-24 reported a magnitude 5.6 earthquake striking Northern California, triggering multiple aftershocks and widespread shaking. Earlier coverage on 2026-08-08 reported a magnitude 5.6 earthquake jolting Alaska in latest seismic activity along Pacific Ring of Fire.

The earthquake affected major urban centers including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, as well as regional infrastructure such as airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura. The event prompted evacuations and emergency responses from national and local authorities, including President Abelardo de la Espriella and Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi.

The occurrence of a magnitude 5.0 aftershock less than an hour after the main quake indicates the potential for further seismic activity. Assessments of structural damage and injuries continue in Chocó, while officials monitor fissured buildings in Manizales for additional risks. The event fits within a broader pattern of seismic activity in the region, as noted in recent reports of earthquakes in California and Alaska.

Why It Matters

The earthquake's impact spans major urban centers and critical infrastructure, with damage reported at six regional airports and structural failures in Manizales. While Bogotá avoided structural harm, the event triggered widespread evacuations and a presidential emergency response due to injuries and significant damage in Chocó. The occurrence of a magnitude 5.0 aftershock within an hour sustains the risk of further seismic activity while officials conduct ongoing damage assessments.