Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - October 3, 2026
54 days after the August 10 earthquake, official figures remain at 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. No aftershocks were recorded in the last 24 hours, indicating continued decline in seismic activity.
Situation Summary - October 3, 2026
54 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the department of Chocó on August 10, 2026. Official casualty figures remain stable: 326 people dead, 4600 injured, and 234 missing.
Seismic Activity
In the last 24 hours, no aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 or greater have been recorded in the affected area, according to data from the United States Geological Survey. This absence of seismic activity represents a continuation of the declining trend observed in recent weeks.
Since the main shock, the strongest aftershock recorded reached a magnitude of 4.5. The sustained decrease in the frequency and intensity of aftershocks suggests that the region is entering a phase of greater seismic stability, although authorities maintain active monitoring systems.
Humanitarian Impact and Material Damage
The earthquake has affected approximately 185500 people in the region. Damage to residential infrastructure continues to be significant:
- 10677 homes destroyed - 65841 homes damaged - 127 buildings collapsed
These figures reflect the magnitude of the reconstruction challenge facing the region, particularly in rural areas and remote communities of Chocó where access remains limited.
Recovery Efforts
Nearly two months after the disaster, efforts have shifted from immediate emergency response to medium-term recovery and reconstruction. Humanitarian organizations, including the Colombian Red Cross and United Nations agencies in Colombia, continue working in coordination with national authorities.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management maintains its field presence, overseeing assistance programs and temporary and permanent housing reconstruction projects.
Missing Persons
The 234 people who remain missing continue to be a priority for authorities. Families can report cases and search for information through the platforms colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co.
Outlook
As seismic activity decreases, the focus centers on sustainable reconstruction and strengthening community resilience. Challenges include relocating families in high-risk areas, restoring basic services, and economic recovery of affected communities.
Authorities urge the population to maintain preparedness for possible aftershocks, although the probability continues to decrease over time.
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*Last updated: October 3, 2026, 18:05 Bogotá time*
