Chocó Earthquake: 70 days later, seismic activity remains at minimal levels
70 days after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Chocó on August 10, the region continues in recovery phase with stable casualty figures and no aftershocks recorded in the last 24 hours.
General Situation
70 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that impacted the department of Chocó on August 10, 2026. Official figures remain stable with 326 people deceased, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. A total of 185500 people have been affected across 30 municipalities in the region.
Seismic Activity
Seismic activity continues to decrease significantly. In the last 24 hours, no aftershocks have been recorded in the epicentral zone, according to data from the United States Geological Survey. The strongest aftershock recorded since the main earthquake reached a magnitude of 4.4.
This reduction in seismic activity is consistent with the expected pattern more than two months after the main event, although authorities from the Colombian Geological Service maintain continuous monitoring of the region.
Infrastructure Damage
Documented material damage includes 10677 homes destroyed and 65841 homes damaged. Additionally, 127 buildings collapsed during the main earthquake. Structural evaluation work continues in several affected municipalities.
Recovery Efforts
National and local authorities maintain humanitarian assistance operations coordinated by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management. The Colombian Red Cross continues providing support in the most affected areas.
International organizations such as the World Food Programme and Direct Relief maintain their presence in the region, focusing on medium-term recovery.
Missing Persons
Families searching for missing persons can consult official registries at colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co.
Outlook
More than two months after the disaster, the emergency phase has given way to reconstruction and economic recovery efforts. Authorities are working on housing plans and productive reactivation for affected communities, while seismic monitoring of Colombia's Pacific region continues.
