Chocó authorities end search and rescue after 7.4 magnitude earthquake

Authorities in the Chocó department of Colombia have officially concluded the search and rescue phase following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the region on August 10. The decision was announced by Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi after the final missing family, consisting of four members, was located alive in San José del Palmar, the epicenter of the seismic event.

With the rescue operations complete, institutional efforts are shifting toward providing direct aid to victims and rebuilding damaged infrastructure. The earthquake has caused significant devastation, resulting in at least 13 deaths and 182 injuries. More than 8,000 families have been displaced or affected, with thousands of homes sustaining damage across 29 municipalities.

Governor Córdoba-Curi has called for national resources to support the integral reconstruction of the impacted areas in the Pacific region, noting the severe structural damage observed during field inspections.