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 epicentre 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, National Director for Colombia and Venezuela.

Shirley Hidalgo, Senior Operations Director WV Colombia has sent this report through:

“I live north of Cali and was at home with my mother on the second floor. The earthquake caught us early in the morning. It was a very long, strong movement. When it stopped, we went outside and all our neighbours were in the street.

"My father was on his way to a farm south of the city. On his way back, along Cali's Fifth Avenue, which runs across the city, he saw many buildings collapsed and damaged. In my house and my neighbourhood there were mostly cracks and fallen masonry, but we are safe. We are currently without power, without water and internet service is intermittent, but we are fine."

About World Vision in Colombia

World Vision has worked in Colombia since 1978.

Colombia has endured political, sociological, and economic tensions over the past year. Armed conflict affects the safety of its vulnerable children and families, a migration of Venezuelans into the country has added unique challenges, and food insecurity continues to threaten the lives of many communities.

It's estimated that approximately 1.4 million children in vulnerable communities are impacted by child labour, exploitation, displacement, and recruitment to dangerous groups.

Additionally, 7.3 million Colombians are dealing with food insecurity due to inflation and agricultural challenges.

World Vision staff have developed various action plans for access to food, education, health, protection, and hygiene resources for these vulnerable communities. In collaboration with many other organisations, we have reached over 630,000 people in need of food and emergency care.

ENDS

For more information, case studies, assets and interviews, please contact:  

Louise Amodio: louise.amodio@worldvision.org.uk 
+44 7957 111780

Sam Bishop: sam.bishop@worldvision.org.uk  
+44 7942 101023