A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck central Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026, at approximately 10:15 a.m. local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of the city of Villavicencio, in the Meta department, at a depth of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles).

Initial Reports and Casualties

Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) reported at least 12 confirmed deaths and more than 150 injuries as of late Monday afternoon. The agency said the figures are preliminary and expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue in remote areas.

Most casualties were reported in Villavicencio and surrounding towns, where several buildings collapsed. In Bogotá, the capital, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the epicenter, authorities reported scattered damage, including cracked facades and broken windows, but no immediate fatalities.

According to the Colombian Red Cross, at least 300 people have been displaced and are being housed in temporary shelters set up in schools and community centers.

Damage and Aftershocks

The earthquake triggered landslides on mountain roads connecting Bogotá to the eastern plains, blocking several routes. The Ministry of Transport said crews are working to clear debris, but some areas remain inaccessible.

The USGS reported at least 20 aftershocks, the largest measuring magnitude 5.2, within six hours of the main tremor. The agency warned that aftershocks could continue for days, complicating rescue efforts.

In Villavicencio, a hospital suffered structural damage, forcing staff to move patients to outdoor tents. Local officials said power outages affected about 40% of the city, and water service was disrupted in several neighborhoods.

Government Response

Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared a state of emergency for the affected regions and mobilized the military to assist with search and rescue. In a televised address, Petro said, "We are deploying all available resources to save lives and restore basic services." He also urged residents to remain calm and follow safety instructions.

UNGRD director Javier Prada said that specialized rescue teams, including canine units, have been dispatched from Bogotá and Medellín. He added that helicopters are being used to reach isolated communities cut off by landslides.

International aid offers have begun to arrive. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it is coordinating with Colombian authorities to assess needs. The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá offered assistance, and the European Union announced an initial emergency contribution of $1 million.

Context and Seismic Activity

Colombia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to earthquakes. The country has experienced several significant tremors in recent decades, including a magnitude 6.2 quake in 1999 that killed more than 1,000 people in the coffee-growing region.

According to the Colombian Geological Service, the August 10 earthquake is the strongest to hit the country since a magnitude 7.1 event in 1983. The agency noted that the quake occurred along the Eastern Frontal Fault, which runs through the Andean foothills.

Seismologists said the moderate depth and inland location contributed to the widespread shaking felt across a large area, including parts of Venezuela and Ecuador. Reports from the Venezuelan civil protection agency indicated minor damage in border towns but no casualties.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Rescue teams are working against time to locate survivors trapped under rubble. In Villavicencio, a collapsed residential building is the focus of a major operation. Officials confirmed that at least 10 people have been pulled alive so far.

The Colombian Air Force is airlifting medical supplies and personnel to affected areas. Field hospitals have been established in Villavicencio and the town of Acacías.

Local authorities have asked residents to avoid damaged structures and to report missing persons to emergency hotlines. The government has set up a public registry to help families reunite.

In Bogotá, subway service was briefly suspended for safety inspections but resumed later in the day. Schools and government offices in the capital remained open, though some buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

What Comes Next

Officials said the death toll and damage assessments will likely increase as rescuers reach more isolated areas. UNGRD plans to conduct a full aerial survey of the affected zone within the next 24 hours.

The government is preparing to provide financial aid to affected families and to fund reconstruction. President Petro said the state of emergency will allow for faster allocation of funds.

Seismologists will continue to monitor aftershocks, which are expected to last for several weeks. Residents are advised to stay alert and follow guidance from local authorities.