A 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred in San José del Palmar, Colombia, Monday morning, killing at least 69 people and forcing evacuations from homes as far as 250 miles from the epicenter. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring countries, such as Panama and Ecuador, according to The Associated Press.
Colombia’s interior minister said more than 20 municipalities across the western part of the country were struck. So far, 40 civilians have been found dead in Pereira, 27 in Cali — including at least three children, the governor said — and two in Manizales.
The “Ring of Fire,” a line of seismic faults surrounding the Pacific Ocean, is near the earthquake’s epicenter. Nine in 10 of the world’s earthquakes occur in the area, which touches Chile and Peru, two countries that neighbor Colombia.
Colombia’s Geological Service said Monday’s earthquake has the highest magnitude of any earthquake recorded in the country in the last decade. It was followed by 2.8 and 4.8 magnitude aftershocks.
Multiple countries have offered aid, including the U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote a message of support in an X post.
“The Trump Administration is closely monitoring the large earthquake that struck Colombia and stands ready to support the people of Colombia,” Rubio wrote.
According to The New York Times, the United Nations said it stood ready to aid Colombia but did not yet have a clear report on casualties.
“Connectivity in rural areas has become limited, and we don’t yet have information on casualties and impacts, but we’ve received reports of structural damage, including collapsed houses, across several towns,” United Nations deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said.
Haq also expressed international concern and support for Colombia.
“We stand ready to help as needed,” he said.
Contact Angelique Rodriguez at arodriguez@alligator.org. Follow her on X @angeliquesrod.
Angelique Rodriguez is a journalism freshman and the Summer 2026 El Caiman Editor. She has spent two semesters at The Alligator as a University Reporter and El Caiman Reporter before becoming an editor. When she's not working, you can find Angie reading, hanging out with friends, or rewatching her rotation of favorite shows.
