Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - 71 days later
71 days after the August 10, 2026 earthquake, official figures report 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. No aftershocks were recorded in the last 24 hours, indicating a continued decrease in seismic activity.
Impact Summary
71 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the department of Chocó on August 10, 2026. According to official data updated as of October 20, 2026, the earthquake has claimed the lives of 326 people, with 4600 injured and 234 people still missing.
Infrastructure Damage
The impact on housing infrastructure remains significant. 10677 homes have been destroyed and 65841 homes damaged throughout the affected region. Additionally, 127 buildings collapsed during the main seismic event and subsequent aftershocks.
The crisis has directly affected approximately 185500 people distributed across 30 municipalities in the region. The most impacted communities continue to face challenges regarding temporary housing and reconstruction.
Recent Seismic Activity
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 seismic activity represents a positive trend in the stabilization of the region.
Since the main event, the strongest aftershock recorded reached a magnitude of 4.4. The gradual decrease in the frequency and intensity of aftershocks suggests that the region is entering a phase of lower seismic activity, although experts warn that aftershocks may continue for months.
Humanitarian Response
Recovery efforts continue to be coordinated between government entities and humanitarian organizations. The Colombian Red Cross maintains field operations, while international agencies such as the World Food Programme and Direct Relief continue to provide logistical support and essential supplies.
Search for Missing Persons
Families seeking information about missing persons can consult the portals colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co, which maintain updated databases.
Official Information
For detailed technical information about the main seismic event, consult the USGS executive report. Official updates from the Colombian government are available on the Presidency of the Republic website.
Authorities continue to urge the population in affected areas to maintain precautions and follow established safety protocols, especially in structures that show damage.
