Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - October 1, 2026
52 days after the August 10 earthquake, official figures remain at 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. Seismic activity continues with moderate aftershocks recorded in the last 24 hours.
Impact Summary
52 days after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the Chocó department on August 10, 2026, authorities maintain official figures at 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. The earthquake has affected approximately 185500 people in the region.
Infrastructure Damage
Material damages continue to be documented: 10677 homes destroyed and 65841 homes damaged to varying degrees. Additionally, 127 buildings collapsed in the areas most affected by the seismic event.
Recent Seismic Activity
Aftershock activity persists in the epicentral zone. In the last 24 hours, no new aftershocks have been registered according to USGS data. However, in recent days multiple moderate magnitude seismic events have been documented, including aftershocks of magnitude 4.8, 4.6, and 4.5 near Sipí, Roncesvalles, and San Antonio.
The strongest aftershock recorded since the main event reached magnitude 4.5. Seismologists warn that aftershocks may continue for additional weeks or months, though with decreasing frequency and intensity.
Humanitarian Response
Humanitarian assistance operations continue coordinated by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management in collaboration with international organizations. The Colombian Red Cross maintains active support programs for affected communities.
The United Nations in Colombia and the World Food Programme continue providing technical and logistical assistance for humanitarian aid distribution in the most remote areas.
Search for Missing Persons
Search and location efforts for missing persons continue through platforms such as Colombia Te Busca and Desaparecidos.co, which facilitate family reunification.
Reconstruction
National and local authorities are working on medium and long-term reconstruction plans. The Ministry of Finance has implemented special measures to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and construction materials to affected areas.
The Presidency of the Republic coordinates inter-institutional efforts for the recovery of affected communities, with emphasis on housing reconstruction and economic reactivation of the region.
Additional Information
For detailed technical information about the main event, consult the USGS executive report.
Authorities recommend that the population stay informed through official sources and follow safety protocols in the event of aftershocks.
