Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake — 7 October 2026
58 days after the 10 August earthquake, official figures report 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. Seismic activity continues to decline with 1 aftershock recorded in the past 24 hours.
Situation Summary — 7 October 2026, 12:05 local time
58 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the department of Chocó and surrounding regions on 10 August 2026. Recovery operations continue as seismic activity shows a sustained declining trend.
Casualties and affected population
Consolidated official figures report 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing as a result of the main shock and its consequences. A total of 185500 people have been affected by the disaster.
Search and recovery efforts continue in coordination with local authorities and humanitarian organizations. Families searching for missing persons can consult registries at colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co.
Infrastructure damage
Structural damage assessments document:
- 10677 homes destroyed - 65841 homes damaged - 127 buildings collapsed
Structural engineering teams continue evaluating building safety in the most affected areas, while reconstruction programs advance in multiple municipalities.
Recent seismic activity
Aftershock activity continues to decline significantly. In the past 24 hours, 1 aftershock of magnitude 3.0 or greater was recorded, with a maximum magnitude of 4.4. This aftershock occurred 21 km southwest of Roncesvalles in the early morning of 7 October.
According to data from the United States Geological Survey, the frequency of aftershocks has decreased considerably compared to the weeks immediately following the main event. Seismologists warn that aftershocks may continue for months, though with decreasing frequency and intensity.
Humanitarian response and recovery
Humanitarian assistance operations coordinated by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management continue providing support to affected communities. The Colombian Red Cross maintains field operations in the most impacted areas.
International organizations such as the World Food Programme and Direct Relief continue supporting the distribution of essential supplies and medical assistance.
Reconstruction and economic support
Housing reconstruction and public infrastructure rehabilitation programs advance in coordination with departmental and municipal governments. The Ministry of Finance has implemented special economic support measures for affected areas, documented in its official directive.
Additional information
For detailed technical information about the main event, consult the USGS executive page. Official updates from the Colombian government are available on the Presidency of the Republic website.
Communities in seismic zones should maintain updated preparedness plans and follow recommendations from local risk management authorities.
