Story perspectives

Colombia Quake Kills 111, Triggers National Emergency

8/11/2026

Summary

President Declares Emergency

President Abelardo de la Espriella said at least 111 people died in the magnitude-7.4 quake on Monday.
He reported 87 injuries and about 1,600 damaged buildings, including 61 that collapsed.
He declared a national emergency, set up a unified command post and will travel to the disaster zone.
The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter near San Jose del Palmar, Chocó, at a depth of 66 miles (107 km).

Summary

Quake Hits Andes

A 7.4-magnitude quake struck the Pacific Ring of Fire, which generates about 90 percent of the world’s largest earthquakes.
Colombia’s geological service (SGC) set depth at 96 km; the USGS reported about 107 km.
The tremor was felt in Quito, Ecuador, and Venezuela’s Barquisimeto and Tachira, crossing borders.
No tsunami warning was issued by the U.S. system despite the offshore location.

History

Historical Context

On 22 May 1960 a magnitude-9.5 quake struck near Valdivia, Chile, killing about 5,700 people and prompting the creation of a national civil-defence agency. On 1 March 2024 a magnitude-7.4 tremor near San José del Palmar in Colombia killed 111, injured 87 and led President Abelardo de la Espriella to declare a national emergency. Both events illustrate the Pacific Ring of Fire’s persistent hazard, driving stronger early-warning systems and regional cooperation.

1 of 3

President Declares Emergency

President Abelardo de la Espriella said at least 111 people died in the magnitude-7.4 quake on Monday.
He reported 87 injuries and about 1,600 damaged buildings, including 61 that collapsed.
He declared a national emergency, set up a unified command post and will travel to the disaster zone.
The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter near San Jose del Palmar, Chocó, at a depth of 66 miles (107 km).

1 / 3