Scores dead in Colombia after powerful earthquake strikes west of country

Quake of 7.4 magnitude collapses and severely damages buildings in several major cities, including Cali and Pereira

Volunteers and rescuers look for survivors amid the rubble of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Cali, Colombia on August 11, 2026. (Photo by Joaquin SARMIENTO / AFP via Getty Images)

More than 100 people died after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing and severely damaging scores of buildings in major cities including Cali and Pereira.

The US and Colombian geological surveys reported that a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck at 7.34am local time on Monday, with its epicentre in the western department of Chocó. It was felt in neighbouring Venezuela, still reeling from a deadly double earthquake on 24 June.