Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - 67 days later
67 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 16, 2026
67 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the department of Chocó on August 10, 2026. Official figures remain stable with 326 people deceased, 4600 injured, and 234 people still missing. The earthquake has affected approximately 185500 people across 30 municipalities in the region.
Seismic Activity
Seismic activity continues its downward trend. In the last 24 hours, no aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 or greater have been recorded in the epicentral zone, according to data from the United States Geological Survey. This absence of activity represents a positive signal in the region's stabilization process.
Since the main event, the strongest aftershock recorded reached a magnitude of 4.5. Experts continue monitoring the zone, though they warn that minor aftershocks may continue for months.
Infrastructure Damage
Material damages remain significant. The official balance reports:
- 10677 homes destroyed - 65841 homes damaged - 127 buildings collapsed
Reconstruction efforts continue in the most affected areas, with teams working on structural evaluation of damaged buildings and controlled demolition of structures at risk of collapse.
Humanitarian Response
Humanitarian assistance operations remain active throughout the affected region. The Colombian Red Cross continues coordinating the distribution of essential supplies and providing psychosocial support to affected communities.
The United Nations in Colombia and the World Food Programme maintain their logistical and food support operations in the most remote areas of Chocó.
Search for Missing Persons
The 234 people who remain missing continue to be sought by specialized teams. Families can report cases or search for information through the portals colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co.
Government Coordination
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management maintains an active emergency operations center, coordinating with local and departmental authorities on early recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The Ministry of Finance continues implementing special customs measures established to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and construction materials to affected areas.
Outlook
More than two months after the seismic event, the region faces the challenge of long-term reconstruction. The decrease in seismic activity is encouraging, but authorities maintain monitoring and response protocols for possible aftershocks.
The economic and social recovery of the 185500 affected people will require sustained efforts in the coming months and years. Authorities call for maintaining national and international solidarity with the communities of Chocó.
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*Last updated: October 16, 2026, 06:05 Bogotá time*
