BOGOTÁ, Colombia — A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people, injuring many others and damaging hundreds of buildings across several cities, authorities said.
Colombia’s geological service said the earthquake occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó. The agency measured the quake at a depth of about 96 kilometers, or 60 miles. Shaking was reported across a broad area that included Cali, Pereira and communities in neighboring Ecuador.
Emergency crews searched collapsed and heavily damaged structures as officials worked to determine the full toll. The Associated Press reported at least 40 deaths in Risaralda department, including Pereira, and 27 in Valle del Cauca, which includes Cali. Three children were among those reported dead in Valle del Cauca.
Hospitals treated people for crush injuries, cuts and other trauma while local governments inspected roads, bridges, schools and utility systems. Some residents remained outside because of aftershocks and concern that weakened buildings could fall. The mountainous terrain and damage to transportation routes complicated access to smaller communities.
Colombia lies in a seismically active region where tectonic plates meet. A deep earthquake can be felt across a wide area, though damage varies based on construction, soil conditions and distance from the epicenter. Officials urged residents to avoid damaged structures, keep roads open for emergency vehicles and rely on verified government alerts.
The casualty count remained preliminary Monday as rescue teams continued their work. National and regional authorities said assessments would continue and that additional aid was being directed to the hardest-hit areas.
Sources: The Associated Press and the Colombian Geological Service. Published Aug. 10, 2026.
