Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - 64 days later
64 days after the August 10, 2026 earthquake, official figures report 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. Seismic activity continues to decline with zero aftershocks recorded in the last 24 hours.
Situation Summary - October 13, 2026
64 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Chocó department on August 10, 2026. Official figures remain stable today, reflecting the consolidated state of search, rescue, and accounting efforts.
Casualties and affected population
Colombian authorities confirm 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 people missing as a result of the earthquake. The total number of affected people reaches 185500, a figure that encompasses those who lost their homes, suffered significant material damage, or were displaced by the disaster.
Families still searching for loved ones can consult registries at colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co.
Infrastructure damage
The structural impact of the earthquake remains considerable:
- 10677 homes completely destroyed - 65841 homes damaged requiring repairs of varying magnitude - 127 buildings collapsed, including public and commercial structures
Reconstruction efforts continue in the most affected areas, with engineering teams assessing the structural safety of thousands of additional buildings.
Seismic activity
In a positive sign of geological stabilization, no aftershocks were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to data from the United States Geological Survey. This absence of significant seismic activity marks a notable contrast with the weeks immediately following the main event.
The strongest aftershock recorded since the main earthquake reached a magnitude of 4.5. The USGS maintains updated information on the main event and aftershock sequence.
Humanitarian response
Humanitarian aid operations continue coordinated by multiple agencies:
- The Colombian Red Cross maintains field assistance operations - The United Nations in Colombia coordinates international efforts - The World Food Programme continues distributing food aid - Direct Relief provides medical supplies
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management coordinates the government response and the transition to the long-term recovery phase.
Outlook
More than two months after the disaster, Colombia faces the challenge of sustainable reconstruction. The decrease in seismic activity offers more favorable conditions for infrastructure rehabilitation work, although humanitarian needs persist for the tens of thousands of displaced people.
Authorities continue urging the population to stay informed through official channels and to report any assistance needs through established mechanisms.
