Situation Report: 49 days after the M7.4 Chocó earthquake
49 days after the August 10 earthquake, official figures report 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. Seismic activity continues with minor aftershocks recorded in the region.
General Situation - September 28, 2026
49 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the department of Chocó on August 10, 2026. Consolidated official figures report 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 people missing. The earthquake has affected approximately 185500 people in the region.
Infrastructure damage
Material damage remains significant. 10677 homes have been destroyed and 65841 homes damaged to varying degrees. Additionally, 127 buildings collapsed during the main seismic event and subsequent aftershocks.
The magnitude of the disaster has required a coordinated response from multiple government agencies and humanitarian organizations to address the needs of affected communities.
Recent seismic activity
Aftershock activity continues in the epicentral zone and surrounding areas. In the last 24 hours, no new aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 or greater have been recorded in the USGS monitoring system, suggesting a gradual decrease in the frequency of significant seismic events.
However, multiple aftershocks have been recorded in previous days, including magnitude 4.6 events near Sipí and Roncesvalles. The strongest aftershock since the main event reached a magnitude of 4.6. Seismologists warn that aftershocks may continue for weeks or months, though with decreasing frequency and intensity.
Humanitarian response
Colombian authorities, led by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, continue to coordinate recovery efforts. The Colombian Red Cross maintains field operations, providing medical support, temporary shelter, and basic supplies to affected communities.
International organizations such as the World Food Programme and Direct Relief have deployed resources to complement the national response.
Search for missing persons
Efforts to locate the 234 missing persons continue. Families can report cases and search for information through platforms such as Colombia Te Busca and Desaparecidos.co.
Seismic information
For detailed technical information about the main event, consult the USGS executive page.
Authorities recommend that the population stay informed through official sources and follow seismic safety protocols in the event of possible aftershocks.
