Major M7.4 earthquake strikes near San José del Palmar, Colombia on August 10, 2026 (Updated)

A major M7.4 earthquake struck 5 km (3 miles) south of San José del Palmar, Colombia at 12:34 UTC on August 10, 2026. The earthquake was registered at a depth of 110.3 km (68.5 miles), according to USGS data.

The epicenter was located at -76.2°W and 4.8°N, placing it in the western part of Colombia near the town of San José del Palmar. This region is characterized by its mountainous topography and proximity to several small towns and rural communities.

Given the geography of western Colombia, key infrastructure in the area could include regional highways, rural roadways, and possible small airstrips serving local populations. Larger transport and industrial hubs are generally found further west or north toward major cities.

This earthquake is classified as inland, and there is no tsunami threat associated with this event, based on its location and available data.

USGS issued an orange alert for this earthquake, suggesting a moderate likelihood of casualties and damage in the affected region.

The maximum estimated intensity was approximately VII on the Modified Mercalli scale. There were 513 felt reports submitted, and the significance index is 1 405 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Colombia is located along the boundary where the Nazca Plate subducts beneath the South American Plate, resulting in significant seismic activity and frequent intermediate-depth earthquakes such as this event.

This information was last updated at 14:03 UTC on August 10, 2026.