Situation Report: M7.4 Chocó Earthquake - 71 days later
71 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 decrease in seismic activity.
Situation Overview
71 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Chocó department on August 10, 2026. Official figures remain stable with 326 people deceased, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. Affected infrastructure includes 10677 homes destroyed and 65841 homes damaged, with 127 buildings collapsed in total.
Seismic Activity
For the first time in weeks, no aftershocks were recorded in the last 24 hours, according to USGS data. This absence of seismic activity represents a significant milestone in the recovery phase. The strongest aftershock recorded since the main event continues to be magnitude 4.4.
Affected Population
A total of 185500 people have been affected by the disaster across 30 municipalities. Authorities continue coordinating long-term recovery efforts, focusing on housing reconstruction and restoration of basic services.
Humanitarian Response
The Colombian Red Cross maintains psychosocial support operations and assistance to displaced communities. The United Nations in Colombia and the World Food Programme continue coordinating with local authorities to ensure food security in the most affected areas.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management continues monitoring the situation and coordinating with departmental and municipal governments to accelerate reconstruction processes.
Missing Persons
Search efforts continue for the 234 people still reported as missing. Families can consult updated information at colombiatebusca.com and desaparecidos.co.
Reconstruction
National and local authorities are implementing medium and long-term reconstruction plans. The Ministry of Finance has established special measures to facilitate the importation of construction materials and humanitarian aid.
Additional Information
For technical information about the main seismic event, consult the USGS executive report. Official government updates are available on the Presidency of the Republic website.
The international community, including organizations such as Direct Relief, continues providing support in this prolonged recovery phase.
