Cauca on High Alert After 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strains Hospitals

The Colombian department of Cauca is under a state of maximum alert after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck on Monday, August 10, 2026, with its epicenter in the Chocó department. While no fatalities have been reported in Cauca, the seismic event has caused significant structural damage, affecting 33 of the region's 42 municipalities. In response to the emergency, departmental authorities have declared a red alert and a humanitarian emergency within the hospital network. This measure is crucial as hospitals were already operating at critical occupancy levels before the earthquake. The circular issued on August 10th aims to reorganize patient care, prioritize life-threatening cases, and ensure healthcare facilities can manage potential new arrivals. Reports from the Cauca Emergency and Disaster Regulatory Center (Crue Cauca) indicate that occupancy rates in medium and high-complexity care have reached between 180% and 200%, with critical care services showing similar levels. Emergency services are operating at approximately 195% capacity, highlighting a severe strain on resources even before the earthquake's impact. The Hospital Universitario San José in Popayán has temporarily restricted patient admissions, only attending to life-threatening emergencies while its facilities are inspected.

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The department of Cauca continues on maximum alert after the strong earthquake registered this Monday, August 10, whose epicenter was located in the department of Chocó and reached a magnitude of 7.4.