The Colombian Red Cross is continuing search-and-rescue operations after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday.
The earthquake struck near San José del Palmar in Chocó Department. It was felt across much of Colombia and in neighboring countries. Several aftershocks have also been recorded.
The Colombian Red Cross has activated its National Crisis Room. Search-and-rescue teams from Antioquia, Quindío and Caldas are supporting the response.
Thirty responders from Antioquia have been deployed to Chocó, one of the areas most affected by the earthquake.
Search and rescue operations continue
Saving lives remains the immediate priority, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, or IFRC.
Homes, schools, health facilities, roads and bridges have been damaged. Dozens of buildings have also collapsed.
Red Cross teams and authorities are continuing search-and-rescue operations. They are also working to establish the full scale of the damage.
Casualty and damage figures remain preliminary. The numbers may change as teams reach more affected areas and complete their assessments.
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Damaged roads complicate emergency access
Access remains difficult in parts of Chocó.
Airport closures and damaged roads are also affecting logistics in several areas. These disruptions could make it harder to move rescue teams and emergency resources to affected communities.
The Red Cross continues to operate in affected areas while authorities assess conditions on the ground.
IFRC prepares wider emergency support
The IFRC has activated its readiness plan for large-scale emergencies.
The organization is assessing how it can support the Colombian Red Cross as teams provide more information from affected areas.
For now, the response remains focused on saving lives, supporting search and rescue, and assessing the needs of communities affected by the earthquake.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), based on its Colombia earthquake response update published Aug. 11, 2026.
IFRC — Colombia earthquake update: Red Cross response ongoing
