Overview
- A magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit near San José del Palmar in Chocó on Monday, Aug. 10, producing strong shaking felt across western and central Colombia and in neighboring countries.
- Authorities say the provisional death toll has climbed into the hundreds and hundreds of people are injured, with officials warning that casualty figures will continue to change as rescue teams reach damaged sites.
- President Abelardo de la Espriella installed a Puesto de Mando Unificado, deployed military and specialist rescue units, and ordered nationwide inspections that have left several regional airports and schools temporarily closed.
- Multilateral development banks and foreign governments have pledged emergency funds and rescue assistance, including immediate cash for damage assessment and U.S. humanitarian aid, while teams from other countries have offered personnel and equipment.
- Seismic authorities recorded multiple aftershocks and experts note the quake occurred on the Nazca–South American plate margin at intermediate depth, a setting that complicates access to remote Chocó and may slow relief and damage surveys.