Powerful earthquake strikes Colombia

• The quake is the strongest felt in the past decade, according to the Colombian Geological Survey 

• Preliminary reports indicate severe damage and injuries in the department of Chocó, where the epicenter was located 

• World Vision has activated its crisis committee and stands ready to assess and respond 

Bogotá, 10 August 2026. A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake shook several cities across Colombia on the morning of Monday, 10 August, including the capital, Bogotá, as well as Manizales, Pereira and Cali. The epicentre was recorded in Palmar, in the department of Chocó, on the country’s Pacific coast. 

“The event shook us early in the morning. Some people were on their way to work, while others were caught at home. Preliminary reports point to severe damage in the cities of Cali, Quibdó —the capital of the department of Chocó— and at Pereira airport. Injuries have already been reported in that city,” said Raúl Rodríguez, Corporate Security Manager for World Vision Colombia. 

World Vision has activated its emergency committee and is assessing the situation. “We are in constant communication with the various regions where we operate,” the organisation said. 

In Cali, several areas remain without electricity and water, while communication systems are down and overwhelmed. The earthquake, which had a depth of 88 kilometres, was felt in Ecuador and in Panama, where metro service was even suspended as a precaution in response to the seismic alert. 

The Colombian Geological Survey reported that this was the strongest earthquake recorded in the past decade. Following the main tremor, two aftershocks of magnitude 2.8 and 4.8 on the Richter scale have been registered. 

“Right now we are confirming that our staff are safe, and we are assessing the possible impact on the communities where we are present. As an organisation committed to children, we are monitoring the situation and stand ready to assess and respond to any needs that may arise,” said Peter Gape, Bi-national Director for Colombia and Venezuela. 

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CONTACT: For more information, please contact Mishelle Mitchell, Regional Director of External Engagement, World Vision LAC Mishelle_mitchell@wvi.org / 

World Vision is a global Christian relief and development organisation dedicated to protecting children in the most vulnerable contexts. We are present in more than 70 countries around the world, and in 15 across Latin America and the Caribbean.