Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - October 19, 2026
Ten weeks after the August 10 earthquake, seismic activity continues to decline with no aftershocks recorded in the last 24 hours. Official figures remain at 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing, with 185500 people affected across 30 municipalities.
Seismic Activity
No aftershocks have been recorded in the last 24 hours following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Chocó department on August 10, 2026, according to data from the United States Geological Survey. This is a positive sign that seismic activity in the region continues to decline ten weeks after the main event.
The strongest aftershock recorded since the main earthquake reached a magnitude of 4.4. During recent weeks, the frequency of aftershocks has decreased significantly, although experts warn that minor seismic events may still occur in the coming months.
Humanitarian Situation
Official figures remain stable today. The confirmed toll stands at 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. A total of 185500 people have been affected by the disaster across 30 municipalities in the region.
Housing infrastructure suffered considerable damage: 10677 homes were completely destroyed and 65841 sustained varying degrees of damage. Additionally, 127 buildings collapsed during the earthquake.
Authorities continue working on identifying missing persons through the platforms colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co.
Response and Recovery
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management maintains coordination with local authorities for the early recovery phase. Efforts are focused on housing reconstruction and restoration of basic services in the most affected communities.
Humanitarian organizations such as the Colombian Red Cross and the World Food Programme continue providing assistance to displaced and affected populations. Direct Relief maintains its support with medical supplies for affected areas.
The United Nations in Colombia continues supporting inter-agency coordination to ensure a comprehensive response to the needs of affected communities.
Official Information
For technical information about the seismic event, consult the USGS event page. Official updates from the Colombian government are available on the Presidency of the Republic website.
National media outlets such as El Tiempo, Semana, and Caracol continue providing coverage of recovery efforts.
