A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck central Colombia on August 11, 2026, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake's epicenter was near the town of Mesetas in Meta department, at a depth of about 30 kilometers. At least 11 people were killed and more than 200 injured, according to Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD).
The earthquake caused significant damage in the departments of Meta, Huila, and Cundinamarca, including the capital Bogotรก, where buildings swayed and some collapsed. In Mesetas, several homes and a health center were destroyed. Landslides have blocked roads, hampering rescue efforts.
President Gustavo Petro declared a state of emergency and mobilized the military to assist in rescue and relief operations. The government has deployed medical teams and heavy equipment to clear debris and reach affected communities. The Colombian Red Cross is providing shelter and first aid to displaced families.
Seismologists warn that aftershocks are likely in the coming days. The region is seismically active due to the interaction of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates. The last major earthquake in Colombia was a 6.1-magnitude quake in 2023 that caused minor damage.
