A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, killing dozens of people and damaging buildings across cities including Cali and Pereira. Rescue teams are still assessing the impact as casualty figures continue to rise.
Live updates
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Key facts
- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck at 7.34am local time on Monday.
- The epicentre was in the western department of Chocó.
- Buildings collapsed or were severely damaged in cities including Cali and Pereira.
- The tremor was felt in Bogota and as far away as Venezuela.
- Casualty reports rose through the day, with figures reported from at least 20 up to at least 111.
A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, collapsing and severely damaging buildings in several major cities and leaving a rising death toll as emergency teams worked to assess the impact. According to the Guardian, the quake hit at 7.34am local time (13.34 BST).
The US and Colombian geological surveys reported that the earthquake measured 7.4 in magnitude, with its epicentre in the western department of Chocó, the Guardian reported. Major cities including Cali and Pereira saw buildings collapse or sustain severe damage.
The tremor was felt over a wide area. According to CNBC, it was felt in Colombia’s capital, Bogota, and as far away as Venezuela. The Guardian noted that Venezuela is still reeling from a deadly double earthquake on 24 June.
Casualty figures changed rapidly through the day as the scale of the disaster became clearer. Al Jazeera and the Guardian reported death tolls that climbed over the course of Monday, from at least 20 to figures reported as high as at least 111. CNBC reported at least two dead with others trapped, reflecting differing figures across outlets as reporting continued.
Emergency teams were still assessing the impact of the quake that was felt across the region, according to Al Jazeera. Rescue operations were ongoing, with reports of people trapped in the aftermath.
Because the reported death tolls varied significantly between outlets and updates on Monday, the full extent of the human toll remained unconfirmed as officials continued their assessments.
Why it matters
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake is among the most powerful that can strike a populated region, and the collapse of buildings in major Colombian cities points to a potentially large humanitarian impact. The event also compounds pressure on neighbouring Venezuela, which is still recovering from a deadly double earthquake in June.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the Colombia earthquake hit?
Its epicentre was in the western department of Chocó, according to the US and Colombian geological surveys as reported by the Guardian. Buildings were damaged in cities including Cali and Pereira, and the tremor was felt in Bogota and as far as Venezuela.
How strong was the earthquake?
The earthquake measured 7.4 in magnitude and struck at 7.34am local time (13.34 BST) on Monday, according to the Guardian, citing the US and Colombian geological surveys.
How many people died?
Reported death tolls varied through the day. Al Jazeera and the Guardian reported figures rising from at least 20 to as high as at least 111, while CNBC reported at least two dead with others trapped. The full toll remained unconfirmed as emergency teams continued their assessment.
Timeline
- Colombia earthquake live updates: more than 100 dead and buildings collapsed after 7.4-magnitude quake
The Guardian World: More than a dozen buildings collapsed in aftermath of earthquake, which has also prompted evacuations People remain trapped in Cali, one of Colombia’s largest cities, after more than two dozen structures collapsed, mayor Alejandro Eder said. He added that the city had asked a
- More than 70 dead after powerful earthquake strikes western Colombia
The Guardian World: Quake of 7.4 magnitude collapses and severely damages buildings in several major cities, including Cali and Pereira Colombia earthquake live – latest updates More than 70 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing and severely damaging buildi
- Colombia earthquake live: Magnitude 7.4 quake strikes near Bogota; 47 dead
Al Jazeera: Officials say at least 47 people have been killed in the quake, with some still trapped under rubble.
- Colombia earthquake live: Magnitude 7.4 quake strikes near Bogota; 69 dead
Al Jazeera: Officials say at least 69 people have been killed in the quake, with some still trapped under rubble.
- Colombia earthquake updates: Magnitude 7.4 quake kills at least 111
Al Jazeera: These were the updates for August 10, 2025.
- At least 47 dead as powerful earthquake strikes western Colombia
The Guardian World: Quake of 7.4 magnitude collapses and severely damages buildings in several major cities, including Cali and Pereira Colombia earthquake live – latest updates At least 47 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing and severely damaging buildin
- At least 20 dead as powerful earthquake strikes western Colombia
The Guardian World: Quake of 7.4 magnitude collapses and severely damages buildings in several major cities, including Cali and Pereira Colombia earthquake live – latest updates At least 20 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing and severely damaging buildin
- At least two dead after magnitude 7.4 Colombia earthquake, others trapped
CNBC Top News: The tremor was felt in Colombia's capital, Bogota, and as far away as Venezuela.
- Earthquake with 7.4 magnitude hits Colombia, killing at least 20
Al Jazeera: Emergency teams are still assessing the impact of the quake that was felt across the region.
- Earthquake with 7.4 magnitude hits Colombia, killing at least 47
Al Jazeera: Emergency teams are still assessing the impact of the quake that was felt across the region.
- Earthquake with 7.4 magnitude hits Colombia, killing at least 69
Al Jazeera: Emergency teams are still assessing the impact of the quake that was felt across the region.
- Earthquake with 7.4 magnitude hits Colombia, killing at least 111
Al Jazeera: Emergency teams are still assessing the impact of the quake that was felt across the region.