Magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Chocó brings a national state of emergency in Colombia

4 October 2026

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia, with its epicentre at San Jose Del Palmar in the Choco region, about 400 km west of Bogota, at a depth of 107 km.
At least 132 people were killed and 570 others injured.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency, saying the first priority was rescuing people trapped under the rubble.
In Cali, the country's third-largest city, at least 20 buildings collapsed and 380 were damaged; Pereira, Quibdo and Manizales were also hit.
At least 21 aftershocks followed within hours and several airports suspended operations for structural inspections.
The Colombian Geological Service said it was the country's strongest recorded earthquake in the 21st century.