7.4-magnitude earthquake shakes Colombia and Ecuador, prompting people to evacuate buildings
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Choco region of Colombia, causing injuries and building damage in the area. The tremor was also felt in neighboring Ecuador, following a series of deadly seismic events in the region earlier this summer.
Why it matters
Significant seismic activity in South America poses ongoing risks to infrastructure and public safety in the region.
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday (August 10, 2026), shaking the South American nation and neighbouring Ecuador and prompting people to evacuate homes and buildings.
The epicentre was in San Jose Del Palmar, a municipality in the Choco region about 250 miles (400 kilometres) west of Colombia's capital, Bogota, the U.S. Geological Survey and Colombia's counterpart reported. The USGS said it struck at a depth of 66 miles (107 kilometres).
Choco Gov. Nubia Cordoba said on social media that in the regional capital, “there are injuries and serious damage to buildings,” without providing further details.
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