Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 132 after magnitude 7.4 quake

Tuesday 11 August 2026 - 11:15

By: Sahili Aya

Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 132 after magnitude 7.4 quake

At least 132 people have died and more than 570 have been injured after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, according to a provisional toll released by the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, known as Asocapitales.

The updated figures represent a sharp increase from an earlier government estimate of 111 deaths and 87 injuries reported by Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.

Authorities are continuing to assess the impact of the earthquake across several affected areas as emergency services respond to the disaster.

Pereira records the highest number of deaths

Pereira, the capital of Risaralda department, has emerged as the hardest-hit city, with 60 deaths reported by Asocapitales.

The city is located near Chocó, where the earthquake's epicentre was situated.

The scale of the casualties has made the earthquake one of the most destructive seismic events recorded in Colombia in recent years.

Rescue and emergency teams are continuing to assess affected communities as authorities work to establish the full extent of the damage.

Tremor felt beyond Colombia

The earthquake was powerful enough to be felt across multiple parts of Colombia.

Reports also indicated that tremors were detected in neighbouring countries, including Ecuador and Panama, demonstrating the broad reach of the seismic event.

The Colombian Geological Service confirmed the magnitude at 7.4 and said the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 104 kilometres.

At least 21 aftershocks had been recorded following the main earthquake, according to the agency.

Authorities rule out link to volcanic activity

The Colombian Geological Service also moved to clarify concerns about a possible connection between the earthquake and activity at the Puracé volcano in southwestern Colombia.

The volcano has been under an orange alert for several weeks, but officials said the earthquake was not caused by volcanic activity.

Cristian Santacoloma, coordinator of the Popayán Volcanological and Seismological Observatory, said the seismic event was independent of the volcano's current activity.

The clarification is significant as authorities continue monitoring both the earthquake's aftershocks and the country's volcanic zones.

Emergency response continues

With the death toll still provisional, authorities are expected to continue updating casualty figures as assessments progress.

The number of injured — already above 570 — adds further pressure on local healthcare and emergency services in the affected regions.

Officials are also monitoring the continuing aftershocks as rescue teams assess infrastructure and search for people who may require assistance.

The disaster has prompted renewed attention to Colombia's exposure to major seismic events and the importance of maintaining emergency preparedness in vulnerable regions.