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NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 11, 2026Miami-Dade

7.4 magnitude earthquake strikes western Colombia

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred in San José del Palmar, Colombia, on Monday, resulting in multiple fatalities and widespread structural damage. The event is the strongest earthquake recorded in the country since 1990.

earthquakeColombianatural disastergeology
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Why It Matters

The earthquake caused significant loss of life and infrastructure damage across Colombia, with tremors felt as far as Bogotá and neighboring Venezuela.

Key Facts

  • A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday.
  • The epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, Chocó.
  • The earthquake is the strongest to hit Colombia since 1990.
  • The epicenter is approximately 240 kilometers (149 miles) west of Bogotá.
  • Tremors were felt in Bogotá and parts of Venezuela.
  • The US Geological Survey classifies a 7.4 magnitude quake as 'major' with expected damage.
  • Most earthquakes occur near tectonic plate boundaries.

Who's Mentioned

locationBogotá“Capital city where tremors were felt.”organizationUS Geological Survey“Source of seismic data and geological analysis.”locationVenezuela“Country where tremors were also reported.”locationChocó“Department where the epicenter was located.”locationSan José del Palmar“Epicenter of the earthquake.”