Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake — October 5, 2026
56 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, marking a significant period of seismic calm.
Situation Summary — October 5, 2026
Seismic Activity
56 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the Chocó department on August 10, 2026. In the last 24 hours, no aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 or greater have been recorded in the epicentral zone, according to USGS data.
This absence of seismic activity represents a notable period of calm in the aftershock sequence that has characterized the past two months. The strongest aftershock recorded since the main event reached a magnitude of 4.5.
Casualties and Affected Population
Consolidated official figures remain unchanged:
- Deaths: 326 people - Injured: 4600 people - Missing: 234 people - People affected: 185500
Authorities continue working on victim identification and searching for missing persons. Families can consult registries at colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co.
Infrastructure Damage
Structural damage assessments maintain the following figures:
- Homes destroyed: 10677 - Homes damaged: 65841 - Buildings collapsed: 127
Reconstruction efforts continue in the most affected areas, with technical teams evaluating the structural safety of buildings in municipalities throughout Chocó and neighboring departments.
Humanitarian Response
The Colombian Red Cross maintains field assistance operations, coordinating with international agencies such as the World Food Programme and Direct Relief. The United Nations in Colombia continues supporting the coordinated response through its country office.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management coordinates early recovery and reconstruction operations in affected areas.
Government Measures
The Ministry of Finance maintains special customs measures implemented to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and construction materials, as established in the official document.
Outlook
The absence of aftershocks in the last 24 hours is a positive indicator, although seismological authorities remind that aftershock activity can continue for months after an event of this magnitude. The recommendation to the population remains to stay prepared and follow established safety protocols.
For detailed technical information about the main event, consult the USGS page.
