Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - 70 days later
70 days after the August 10 earthquake, official figures report 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. No aftershocks were recorded in the last 24 hours, indicating a continued decline in seismic activity.
Situation Summary - October 19, 2026
70 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Chocó department on August 10, 2026. Official figures remain at 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. A total of 185500 people have been affected across 30 municipalities.
Seismic Activity
For the first time in weeks, no aftershocks were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to data from the United States Geological Survey. This absence of seismic activity represents a positive signal in the evolution of the seismic event. The strongest aftershock recorded since the main earthquake reached a magnitude of 4.4.
The region remains under constant monitoring, although the decrease in aftershock frequency suggests a gradual stabilization of tectonic activity in the area.
Infrastructure Damage
Material damage remains significant: 10677 homes destroyed and 65841 homes damaged. Additionally, 127 buildings collapsed during the main event and its aftershocks. The magnitude of destruction continues to represent a considerable challenge for local and national authorities.
Reconstruction efforts are advancing on multiple fronts, although logistical complexity in the most remote areas of Chocó continues to hinder access to some affected communities.
Humanitarian Response
Humanitarian organizations maintain their presence in the region. The Colombian Red Cross continues coordinating assistance efforts, while international agencies such as the World Food Programme and Direct Relief continue providing logistical support and supplies.
The United Nations in Colombia maintains its response coordination with national authorities to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable populations.
Missing Persons
The 234 people who remain missing continue to be a priority for authorities. Families can report cases and search for information through platforms such as ColombiaTeAyuda and Desaparecidos.co.
Outlook
More than two months after the disaster, the emergency phase has given way to a long-term recovery process. The absence of aftershocks in the last 24 hours offers respite to affected communities, although humanitarian and reconstruction needs remain considerable.
Authorities continue working on comprehensive recovery plans that address not only physical reconstruction but also psychosocial support for communities traumatized by the event.
For updated official information, consult the Presidency of the Republic and the USGS.
