Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - October 15, 2026
66 days after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Chocó on August 10, 2026, official figures report 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. Seismic activity continues to decline with zero aftershocks recorded in the last 24 hours.
Impact Summary
66 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the department of Chocó on August 10, 2026. Official figures remain stable with 326 people deceased, 4600 injured, and 234 people missing. The earthquake has affected approximately 185500 people in the region.
Infrastructure Damage
The structural impact of the earthquake continues to be significant. Reports indicate 10677 homes destroyed and 65841 homes damaged to varying degrees. Additionally, 127 buildings collapsed during the main seismic event and subsequent aftershocks.
Reconstruction efforts continue in the most affected areas, with engineering teams assessing the structural safety of buildings that sustained moderate damage.
Seismic Activity
Seismic activity shows a notable declining trend. In the last 24 hours, no aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 or greater have been recorded in the epicentral area, according to USGS data. This absence of significant seismic activity represents a positive development in the evolution of the event.
Since the main earthquake, the largest aftershock recorded reached magnitude 4.5. Seismologists continue monitoring the region, though they warn that minor aftershocks may continue occurring for months.
Humanitarian Response
Humanitarian assistance operations continue coordinated by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management in collaboration with international organizations. The Colombian Red Cross maintains an active presence in affected areas, providing medical assistance and psychosocial support to communities.
The United Nations in Colombia continues supporting recovery efforts through its specialized agencies, including the World Food Programme, which maintains food distribution operations in the most remote areas.
Missing Persons
Search and location efforts for the 234 missing persons remain active. Families can report cases or seek information through the platforms colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co.
Official Information
For technical information about the main seismic event, consult the USGS executive report. Official updates from the Colombian government are available on the Presidency of the Republic website.
Authorities continue urging the population in affected areas to maintain precautions and follow safety protocols established by local authorities.
