Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - 69 days later
69 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.
Impact Summary
69 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Chocó department on August 10, 2026. As of October 18, 2026, Colombian authorities maintain official figures at 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. The earthquake has affected approximately 185500 people across 30 municipalities in the region.
Infrastructure Damage
Material damage remains 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.
The magnitude of the disaster has required a coordinated response between national and international entities to address the needs of affected communities in Chocó and neighboring departments.
Recent Seismic Activity
In a positive development, no aftershocks were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This absence of significant seismic activity marks a downward trend in aftershock frequency.
The strongest aftershock recorded since the main event remains at magnitude 4.4. The decrease in seismic activity is an encouraging sign for affected communities, although authorities maintain monitoring protocols.
Humanitarian Response
Humanitarian aid operations continue in affected areas. The Colombian Red Cross maintains its assistance operations, while international organizations such as the World Food Programme and Direct Relief continue supporting recovery efforts.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management coordinates government actions for reconstruction and support for displaced families.
Search for Missing Persons
Efforts to locate the 234 missing persons continue. Families can consult information on platforms such as Colombia Te Busca and Desaparecidos.co.
Outlook
More than two months after the disaster, the emergency phase has given way to a long-term recovery process. Authorities are working on plans to reconstruct homes and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in the 30 affected municipalities.
The international community and humanitarian organizations maintain their commitment to the recovery of communities affected by this unprecedented seismic event in the Chocó region.
For updated official information, consult the Presidency of the Republic and the Colombian Geological Service.
