A magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck Colombia's Chocó province on Monday, killing at least 224 people and prompting a state of emergency [1].

The disaster represents one of the most severe seismic events in the nation's history, causing widespread building collapses and leaving thousands of residents trapped in rubble.

The earthquake occurred at 7:34 local time on Aug. 10, 2026 [1]. It originated at a depth of 103 km [1]. Tectonic movement along the Pacific subduction zone caused the severe ground shaking [1]. While the epicenter was in the Chocó province, the effects were felt across western Colombia, including the cities of Cali, Pereira, and Manizales [1, 5].

Death toll estimates vary across reports as rescue efforts continue. BBC News said at least 224 people died [1]. Other reports provided lower figures, including 182 deaths from Yahoo News [3] and at least 181 from CBS News [4]. MSN said over 100 people died [5].

Search and rescue teams are currently working to locate survivors. CBS News said more than 2,700 people were reported missing on Monday night [4]. The scale of the destruction has led officials to declare a state of emergency to mobilize resources and aid [1].

"At least 224 people are dead and a state of emergency has been declared after Colombia was hit by one of its largest earthquakes in years," BBC News said [1].

Local authorities are coordinating with international agencies to manage the crisis. The intensity of the quake resulted in the collapse of numerous structures, many of which were not built to withstand high-magnitude seismic activity, leading to the high number of casualties and missing persons.

“At least 224 people are dead and a state of emergency has been declared”

The disparity in death toll reporting highlights the chaos of the immediate aftermath in remote regions like Chocó. Because this is the strongest earthquake on record for Colombia, the event will likely trigger a national review of building codes and disaster preparedness in the Pacific subduction zone to prevent similar levels of collapse in future seismic events.