7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes western Colombia

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 in magnitude struck Colombia's Chocó department early Monday morning, sending tremors across wide portions of the country and as far as the Venezuelan border, according to the United States Geological Survey.nytimes+1

What Happened

The earthquake occurred at 12:34 UTC — approximately 7:34 a.m. local time — about 5 km east of San José del Palmar in the Chocó department of western Colombia, at a depth of roughly 107 km. The New York Times reported the USGS confirmed the quake's magnitude at 7.4, though the agency noted the figure could be revised as seismologists analyze additional data.nytimes+1

Maps tracking shake intensity show the quake affected a broad area, with shaking at intensity level 3 or greater — categorized by the USGS as "weak" but still perceptible — spanning large portions of western and central Colombia.nytimes

Felt Across Borders

The tremor was reported across multiple regions of Colombia, including areas far from the epicenter. Early reports indicated the shaking was also felt toward the Venezuelan border. No immediate reports of casualties or major damage were available as of Monday morning, though the situation remained developing.indiatoday

Seismic History

Colombia is one of South America's most seismically active countries, situated near several tectonic plate boundaries and major fault systems. The Colombian Geological Service has recorded more than 100 destructive earthquakes historically, particularly in the Andean region, the eastern foothills of the Eastern Cordillera, and the Pacific region. One of the deadliest was a magnitude 8 earthquake near Tumaco in southwestern Colombia in 1979.indiatoday

The Chocó department, where Monday's quake was centered, has experienced recurring seismic activity in recent months, including a magnitude 5.3 earthquake in May 2026.volcanodiscovery