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, marking a significant period of seismic calm.
General Situation
57 days after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the Chocó department on August 10, 2026, Colombian authorities maintain unchanged official casualty figures. The human toll remains at 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing, according to consolidated data from risk management authorities.
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 an important milestone in the stabilization process of the affected region.
Since the main shock, the largest aftershock recorded reached magnitude 4.5. The last significant aftershock documented occurred on September 29 with a magnitude of 4.5, located 15 km southwest of San Antonio.
Infrastructure Damage
Material damages continue to be extensive:
- 10677 homes completely destroyed - 65841 homes damaged to varying degrees - 127 buildings collapsed - 185500 people affected in total
Reconstruction efforts are gradually advancing in the most impacted areas, although significant logistical challenges persist in hard-to-reach rural zones.
Humanitarian Response
Relief organizations, including the Colombian Red Cross, continue providing assistance to affected communities. Efforts now focus on temporary housing solutions and restoration of basic services.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management maintains coordination with local authorities to ensure humanitarian aid distribution and oversee reconstruction projects.
Search for Missing Persons
The 234 people who remain missing continue to be a priority for authorities. Families can consult updated information on platforms such as colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co.
Outlook
The absence of aftershocks in the last day offers an encouraging signal regarding the stabilization of seismic activity in the region. However, authorities maintain continuous monitoring protocols and recommend that the population remain prepared for possible future events.
The recovery phase now enters a critical stage, with emphasis on rebuilding essential infrastructure and the gradual return to normalcy for the 185500 people affected by this natural disaster.
