Situation Report: 50 days after the M7.4 Chocó earthquake
50 days after the August 10, 2026 earthquake, official figures report 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. Seismic activity continues with minor aftershocks in the affected region.
General situation
50 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the department of Chocó on August 10, 2026. Official figures remain at 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. The earthquake has affected approximately 185500 people in the region.
Infrastructure damage
Material damage continues to be significant. Reports indicate 10677 homes destroyed and 65841 homes damaged to varying degrees. Additionally, 127 buildings collapsed during the main seismic event and its immediate aftershocks.
Authorities continue working on comprehensive structural damage assessments and coordinating long-term reconstruction efforts.
Recent seismic activity
In the past 24 hours, no new aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 or greater have been recorded in the monitoring area, according to data from the United States Geological Survey. This pause in seismic activity represents a change from previous weeks.
However, in the preceding days, multiple aftershocks were recorded, including magnitude 4.6 events that continue to remind us of the fragility of the situation. The strongest aftershock recorded since the main earthquake reached a magnitude of 4.6.
Experts warn that aftershocks may continue for months following an earthquake of this magnitude, though they generally decrease in frequency and intensity over time.
Humanitarian response
Relief organizations continue operating in the affected area. The Colombian Red Cross maintains its assistance operations, while international agencies such as the World Food Programme and Direct Relief continue providing logistical support and supplies.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management coordinates governmental response and recovery efforts.
Missing persons
Families searching for missing persons can consult registries at colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co, platforms that facilitate family reunification.
Official information
For technical information about the main seismic event, consult the USGS event page. Official updates from the Colombian government are available on the Presidency of the Republic website.
Authorities urge the population to stay informed through official sources and to follow seismic safety recommendations.
