Overview
- The quake hit near San José del Palmar on Monday, Aug. 10, the U.S. Geological Survey and Colombia's Geological Service said, registering magnitude 7.4 at roughly 100–107 kilometers depth.
- Official tolls have changed as searches continue, with early reports of 47 deaths, President Abelardo de la Espriella reporting at least 111, and later accounts citing as many as 132; authorities warn figures remain provisional.
- Hardest-hit cities include Pereira, Cali, Manizales and Quibdó where dozens of buildings collapsed, the neo-Gothic tower at Manizales cathedral fell, and hundreds of homes, schools and health centers were damaged.
- The government declared a national emergency, set up a unified command led by the president, mobilized search-and-rescue teams, and accepted offers of international support while several western airports suspended operations.
- Aftershocks have been recorded and damage to roads, airports and remote terrain in Chocó are slowing assessments and relief deliveries, which could delay aid reaching isolated communities and raise the human toll.