Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - 50 days later
50 days after the August 10, 2026 earthquake, official figures report 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. More than 185500 people remain affected with 10677 homes destroyed. No aftershocks were recorded in the last 24 hours.
Impact Summary
50 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Chocó department on August 10, 2026. Consolidated official figures report 326 people deceased, 4600 injured, and 234 people missing. The magnitude of destruction continues to affect 185500 people throughout the region.
Infrastructure Damage
Damage assessments show that 10677 homes were completely destroyed and 65841 homes sustained damage of varying severity. Additionally, 127 buildings collapsed during the main shock and subsequent aftershocks.
Reconstruction is advancing gradually, although the most remote communities in Chocó continue to face significant challenges in accessing construction materials and technical assistance.
Recent Seismic Activity
In a positive development, no aftershocks were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to data from the United States Geological Survey. This pause in seismic activity represents a respite for affected communities, although experts warn that aftershocks may continue for months.
The strongest aftershock recorded since the main event reached a magnitude of 4.6. The main event is documented by the USGS.
Humanitarian Response
Humanitarian assistance operations continue to be coordinated by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management in collaboration with international organizations. The Colombian Red Cross maintains teams deployed in the most affected areas.
The World Food Programme and Direct Relief continue to provide essential supplies to displaced and sheltered communities.
Search for Missing Persons
Efforts to locate the 234 missing persons continue. Families can report or search for information about missing persons through Colombia Te Busca and the Desaparecidos.co portal.
Outlook
Seven weeks after the disaster, authorities are focusing on transitioning from emergency response to long-term recovery. Challenges include relocating communities in high-risk zones, reconstructing critical infrastructure, and providing psychosocial support to survivors.
The Presidency of the Republic has reiterated its commitment to the comprehensive reconstruction of affected areas, while the United Nations in Colombia continues to coordinate international support.
Affected communities face a long road to recovery, but the absence of aftershocks in the last 24 hours offers a hopeful sign that seismic activity may be gradually diminishing.
