Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes Colombia, killing at least 294
A catastrophic 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit the Chocó Department of western Colombia on August 15, 2026. The seismic event caused the collapse of hundreds of structures across the region, with the death toll currently confirmed at 294 people. Search and rescue operations are hampered by remote terrain and damaged infrastructure. President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of emergency, requesting international assistance as the humanitarian crisis deepens in the quake's epicenter.