# Seismic activity in Bolivia and Colombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/seismic-activity-in-bolivia-and-colombia
> Updated: 2026-08-09T00:15:00.000Z. Sources: 265. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, minor seismic activity was recorded in South America, including a magnitude 3.5 earthquake in Bolivia’s Oruro Department and a magnitude 3.8 tremor in Colombia’s Huila Department. Both events were characterized as low-magnitude activity that caused no reported damage or injuries.

By August 2026, seismic activity in Colombia escalated significantly. On August 10, a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department at approximately 07:34 local time. There were conflicting reports regarding the tremor’s strength: the USGS estimated a magnitude of 7.4, while the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) reported a magnitude between 6.6 and 6.7. The epicenter was located at a depth between 82 km and 107 km. The quake was felt widely, including in Medellín, Cali, Bogotá, and Manizales, with some effects reaching Ecuador, Panama, and parts of Venezuela.

In the Chocó region, Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi reported injuries and significant structural damage in the capital, Quibdó, where some structures have reportedly collapsed. Infrastructure impacts include damage to airports in Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó. In Manizales, the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica reportedly sustained heavy damage. While evacuations occurred in several cities, including Cúcuta and Bogotá, Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán indicated no immediate injuries or major structural damage in the capital. Authorities have ruled out a tsunami threat for the Pacific coast, but officials remain on alert for potential aftershocks. Casualty reports following the tremor indicate significant loss of life. In Pereira, Mayor Mauricio Salazar reported at least 18 deaths, with two additional fatalities confirmed in Manizales. In Cali, officials reported that at least 20 buildings collapsed, raising fears that individuals remain trapped under debris.

## Claims

- The earthquake magnitude was 7.4. (disputed by 24 sources)
- The Colombian Geological Service initially reported a magnitude between 6.6 and 6.7. (disputed by 5 sources)
- The earthquake epicenter was located near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department. (corroborated by 31 sources)
- The earthquake was felt in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Manizales, and parts of Ecuador. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The Governor of Chocó reported injuries and serious building damage in Quibdó. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica in Manizales sustained heavy damage. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Mayor of Bogotá stated that no injuries had been reported in the capital at the time of his report. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The earthquake caused damage to airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- President Abelardo de la Espriella has assumed leadership of the emergency response. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- At least 18 people died in Pereira. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Two people died in Manizales. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: Colombia earthquake of magnitude 7.4 causes deaths and widespread damage

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, centered in Chocó. The disaster has caused at least 24 deaths, widespread building collapses in cities like Pereira and Quibdó, and major airport damage.

260 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombia-rocked-by-powerful-earthquake-near-choc-coast

### 2026-07-30: Minor Earthquakes Strike Bolivia and Colombia

Magnitude 3.5 quake in Carangas, Bolivia and magnitude 3.8 quake in Baraya, Colombia caused no damage, reflecting routine low‑magnitude seismic activity in both countries.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/minor-earthquakes-strike-bolivia-and-colombia

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Cite as: Seismic activity in Bolivia and Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/seismic-activity-in-bolivia-and-colombia