A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck central Colombia on Monday, August 10, 2026, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at 10:45 a.m. local time, with an epicenter about 45 kilometers southeast of the city of Villavicencio, at a depth of 30 kilometers.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, but authorities are still assessing damage in affected areas. The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) confirmed the earthquake and said that aftershocks are possible.

Shaking Felt Across the Region

The earthquake was felt strongly in the capital, Bogotá, where buildings swayed and residents evacuated offices and homes. Witnesses reported cracked walls and broken windows in some central districts, but no major structural collapses have been confirmed.

In Villavicencio, located in the Meta department, local officials reported some damage to older buildings, including a collapsed church facade. Emergency services are conducting door-to-door checks in the most affected neighborhoods.

The USGS initially issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas of Colombia and neighboring countries, but the warning was later canceled. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated that no tsunami threat remained after analyzing sea level data.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

Colombian President María Fernanda Suárez addressed the nation on national television, urging calm and announcing the activation of the National Disaster Risk Management Unit. She said that military and police units have been deployed to assist in rescue and assessment operations.

“We are working to ensure the safety of all Colombians,” President Suárez said. “We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

The Ministry of Health reported that hospitals in the affected regions are operational, though some in Bogotá have suffered minor damage, including broken water pipes and ceiling panels. Officials said that no major medical facility has been forced to close.

Background and Seismic Activity

Colombia lies in a seismically active zone, where the Nazca, South American, and Caribbean tectonic plates interact. The country has experienced several damaging earthquakes in its history, including a magnitude 6.8 quake in 2023 that killed at least 10 people near the Pacific coast.

Monday's earthquake is the largest to hit Colombia in more than a decade, according to the SGC. The last earthquake of comparable magnitude was a 7.1 tremor in 2008 that struck near the border with Ecuador.

Experts note that the depth of 30 kilometers is relatively shallow, which can increase shaking intensity. However, the epicenter’s location in a less densely populated area may have mitigated the impact.

International Assistance Offers

Several countries, including the United States, Mexico, and Chile, have offered assistance to Colombia. The U.S. Geological Survey is providing technical support to local agencies for aftershock monitoring.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it is in contact with Colombian authorities and is ready to deploy teams if needed. The World Health Organization offered medical supplies and personnel.

Colombian officials have not yet accepted international aid, saying they are first evaluating the extent of the damage.

What Comes Next

Authorities are continuing search and rescue operations, focusing on areas near the epicenter. The SGC is monitoring aftershocks, which are expected to continue for several days.

Damage assessments are underway, and officials said they will provide a full report within 48 hours. President Suárez announced that the government will allocate emergency funds for reconstruction and assistance to affected families.