A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck 5 kilometers south of San José del Palmar, Colombia, at 12:34 UTC on August 10, 2026, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at a depth of 110.29 kilometers (68.53 miles), with its epicenter at 4.844°N, 76.242°W. The USGS issued an orange alert on its PAGER system, indicating significant potential for damage. ShakeMap intensity reached VII (very strong), and DYFI reports suggest up to VIII (severe) shaking.
KEY FACTS
- The USGS reported a magnitude 7.4 earthquake near San José del Palmar, Colombia, at a depth of about 110 km.
- The USGS PAGER system issued an orange alert, indicating potential for significant damage.
- ShakeMap intensity reached VII, with DYFI reports suggesting up to VIII.
- The earthquake occurred at 12:34 UTC on August 10, 2026.
- The epicenter was located at 4.844°N, 76.242°W, 5 km south of San José del Palmar.
CONTEXT
The earthquake struck in a seismically active region of western Colombia, near the Pacific coast and the Andes. The depth of 110 km is considered intermediate, which can reduce surface shaking compared to shallower quakes but still poses risks to infrastructure. The USGS PAGER system, which estimates potential fatalities and economic losses, issued an orange alert, meaning that damage is likely and the event could have local or regional impacts. The ShakeMap intensity of VII indicates very strong shaking, which can cause damage to poorly built structures. DYFI (Did You Feel It?) reports from residents suggest intensity VIII, which is severe and can cause significant damage even to well built buildings. The full extent of damage and casualties is not yet known, and local authorities are likely to assess the situation.
WHY IT MATTERS
This earthquake has the potential to cause significant damage and casualties in a populated region of Colombia. The orange alert from the USGS indicates that the event is likely to have humanitarian and economic consequences. The depth and magnitude suggest that shaking was felt over a wide area, possibly affecting multiple towns and cities. The response and recovery efforts will be critical in the coming days, and the event highlights the seismic risks faced by communities in this part of South America.
WHAT TO WATCH
- Reports of casualties and structural damage from local authorities and emergency services.
- Aftershock activity and any additional seismic events in the region.
- The activation of disaster response mechanisms by the Colombian government.
- Updates from the USGS on the earthquake's impact and any revised intensity assessments.