Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - October 6, 2026
57 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 Overview
57 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Chocó department on August 10, 2026. As of October 6 at 00:05 local time, official figures remain unchanged: 326 people dead, 4600 injured, and 234 people missing.
Seismic Activity
For the first time in weeks, no aftershocks were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to data from the United States Geological Survey. This absence of seismic activity represents a significant milestone in the stabilization process of the affected region.
The strongest aftershock recorded since the main earthquake remains at magnitude 4.5. During previous weeks, the region experienced consistent aftershocks, including magnitude 4.6 and 4.8 events in recent days, but activity has notably decreased.
Infrastructure Damage
Documented material damages remain at:
- 10677 homes destroyed - 65841 homes damaged - 127 buildings collapsed - 185500 people affected in total
These figures reflect the devastating impact of the earthquake on the region's housing infrastructure, particularly in rural areas and indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities of Chocó.
Recovery Efforts
Colombian authorities continue coordinating reconstruction efforts through the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management. The Colombian Red Cross maintains humanitarian assistance operations in the most affected areas.
Displaced families continue receiving support from international organizations, including the World Food Programme and the United Nations in Colombia, which coordinate the distribution of essential supplies and temporary shelter.
Search for Missing Persons
Efforts to locate the 234 missing persons continue. Families can report or search for information about missing persons through platforms such as Colombia Te Busca and Desaparecidos.co.
Outlook
The absence of aftershocks in the last 24 hours is a positive sign, although experts warn that the possibility of additional seismic activity persists. Authorities maintain seismic monitoring protocols and continue urging the population to maintain emergency preparedness.
The long-term recovery phase now focuses on housing reconstruction, restoration of basic services, and psychosocial support for affected communities. The national government continues working on implementing economic and social support measures for impacted regions.
For updated information on seismic activity, consult the USGS executive report.
