{"id":1408,"date":"2026-08-24T09:26:21","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T09:26:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trendtrending.com\/?p=1408"},"modified":"2026-08-24T09:26:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T09:26:21","slug":"magnitude-7-4-earthquake-shakes-colombia-more-than-100-dead-buildings-collapsed-and-airports-affected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trendtrending.com\/?p=1408","title":{"rendered":"Magnitude 7.4 earthquake shakes Colombia: more than 100 dead, buildings collapsed and airports affected"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Colombia is experiencing one of its most painful days in recent years after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck large parts of the country on Monday, August 10, causing buildings to collapse, severe infrastructure damage, airport disruptions, and a death toll that continues to rise as rescue teams work through the rubble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The earthquake struck in the morning and was centered near San Jos\u00e9 del Palmar, in the department of Choc\u00f3, in western Colombia. The tremor was strongly felt in cities such as Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, and Quibd\u00f3, as well as in other parts of the country and neighboring regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initial reports indicated around twenty deaths. However, as emergency services gained access to the most affected areas, the magnitude of the tragedy became clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hours later, the Associated Press reported at least 111 deaths, while other tallies compiled throughout the day provisionally raised the death toll to 132, with approximately 570 injured. Because search and rescue operations continue under collapsed structures, authorities warn that these figures may still change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The earthquake surprised millions in the morning.
The powerful tremor occurred as millions of Colombians were beginning their daily activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a matter of seconds, homes, office buildings, businesses, and other structures began to shake violently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People in tall buildings quickly descended to streets and open spaces, while alarms and sirens began to sound in different cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The force of the earthquake also caused communication disruptions in some areas, complicating the ability to obtain an accurate picture of the emergency during the first few hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Videos circulating from different cities showed people gathered in streets and parks awaiting instructions from authorities and observing the damage to various structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The epicenter was in Choc\u00f3
Reports of the earthquake placed the epicenter near San Jos\u00e9 del Palmar, an area in the department of Choc\u00f3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The earthquake was powerful enough to be felt hundreds of kilometers away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cities such as Pereira, Cali, Manizales, and Quibd\u00f3 were among the locations where significant damage was reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was also felt in Bogot\u00e1, Medell\u00edn, Armenia, Popay\u00e1n, and other regions of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wide geographical reach of the earthquake meant that social media was flooded with messages from citizens trying to contact family members almost immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pereira, one of the hardest-hit areas
Initial reports already indicated Pereira as one of the cities with the highest number of victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the first few hours, Reuters reported that at least 18 deaths had been confirmed there, while the national death toll was still around 20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The situation continued to evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several structures suffered damage, and emergency services began working in buildings where there was a possibility of finding people trapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firefighters, police, medical personnel, Civil Defense, and volunteers were deployed to the affected areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The priority was locating survivors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Completely Collapsed Buildings
One of the most worrying aspects of the emergency is the number of affected structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reports gathered throughout the day indicated more than 1,500 buildings with some level of damage and dozens of completely collapsed structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A tally released during the day placed the number of completely collapsed buildings at at least 61.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These figures explain why the search operations could be prolonged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a building collapses, removing the debris must be done with extreme care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavy machinery used incorrectly can displace elements, leaving empty spaces where survivors might be hiding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, specialized teams are advancing slowly, using tools, cameras, sensors, and other available resources to search for signs of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cali also reported severe damage.
Cali is among the cities hit by the earthquake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reports indicated multiple deaths and significant structural damage, as emergency teams responded to different locations simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Associated Press reported that dozens of victims had been counted in Cali alone, according to the tallies available throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The situation generated additional concern due to the city\u2019s urban density and the number of people present in residential buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manizales Reports Damage and Casualties
Manizales was another city where the earthquake caused serious consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initial reports indicated deaths and damage to various structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Damage to important buildings in the city was also reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As happened in other parts of the country, residents temporarily evacuated buildings while specialized personnel began inspections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a major earthquake, a structure may appear to be standing but still have suffered internal damage that compromises its stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, authorities recommend avoiding re-entering seriously damaged buildings until they have been assessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Airports Affected by the Earthquake
The emergency also impacted air travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several regional airports had to suspend or restrict operations while runways, terminals, and other facilities were inspected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the cities mentioned in the damage reports are Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibd\u00f3, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The suspension of operations not only affects passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the midst of a large-scale disaster, airports play a vital role in transporting rescue teams, medical personnel, supplies, medicine, and humanitarian aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, technicians began assessing the terminals to determine which could safely resume operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The numbers changed rapidly throughout the day.
One of the reasons for the confusion on social media is the speed at which the death toll changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the first few hours, some media outlets reported around 20 or 21 fatalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That figure was accurate at the time it was released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it did not represent the final toll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As rescuers reached new buildings and various local authorities updated their figures, the number increased dramatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reuters initially reported at least 20 deaths. Later, AP raised the death toll to 111. Subsequently, other reports gathered throughout the day provisionally placed the figure above 130.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This demonstrates why, during an emergency of this magnitude, it is crucial to include the time or context of each update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The search for trapped people continues.
The next few hours will be critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In numerous areas, teams continue removing debris while families await news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The priority during the initial stages after a structure collapse is to find people trapped in spaces where air may still be present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every operation requires coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firefighters and specialized teams are searching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical personnel remain prepared to immediately stabilize any survivors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authorities are maintaining cordoned-off areas to prevent onlookers from interfering or being caught in further landslides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communications complicate the assessment in remote areas.
One of the greatest challenges lies in communities far from the epicenter and rural areas of Choc\u00f3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Damage to communications and roads may prevent information from arriving as quickly as from major cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means the national tally may rise as emergency agencies gain access to areas where a full assessment is still pending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Associated Press reported that transportation and communication disruptions were hindering the determination of the full extent of the damage in some regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear of Aftershocks
After a strong earthquake, further tremors can occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aftershocks are part of the process of readjustment of geological structures after the main event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some can be strong enough to cause additional damage to buildings that were weakened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New aftershocks were reported throughout the day following the main earthquake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, the general recommendations are to stay away from visibly damaged structures and follow only the instructions of the authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hospitals Under Pressure<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another major challenge lies in caring for the injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a mass casualty incident occurs, hospitals and medical centers can receive a large number of patients simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some have minor injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others require immediate surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also people with trauma, fractures, injuries caused by broken glass, and injuries related to falling structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tally released last night reported hundreds of injured in different regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The priority is to distribute patients according to available capacity and prevent any single hospital from becoming completely overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colombia mobilizes in the face of tragedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scale of the disaster triggered a national mobilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emergency agencies from different departments began deploying to the areas with the greatest needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

International offers of assistance to support search and recovery operations also began to emerge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In disasters of this magnitude, the first few days are crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinking water is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temporary shelters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Search teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specialized machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And medical personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entire families await news.
Beyond the statistics lies a profoundly human dimension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each number represents a person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In different cities, families wait outside hospitals, rescue zones, and centers set up by the authorities, trying to learn the whereabouts of loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, disrupted communications can lead to a person being considered missing simply because they haven\u2019t yet been able to contact their family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In others, searches are concentrated in completely collapsed buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uncertainty is one of the most difficult experiences for those awaiting information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social media: help and misinformation at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and X quickly became tools used to share photos of missing persons, request help, and show the affected areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But incorrect information also began to circulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Videos of earthquakes that occurred in other countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Old photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Victim counts without sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Messages announcing supposed aftershocks that no one had confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During a tragedy, sharing false information can increase fear and hinder the work of the authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, any figure or alert should be verified before being forwarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to do after an earthquake?
If a house or building has significant cracks, fractured columns, collapses, or deformations, it should not be re-entered until a proper assessment has been carried out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caution should also be exercised regarding downed power lines and possible gas leaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elevators may be out of service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aftershocks can dislodge objects that remained partially attached during the initial tremor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the event of another aftershock, the priority is to protect yourself from falling objects and avoid unnecessary movement while the shaking continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not approach collapsed buildings out of curiosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Images of the earthquake have led many people to approach certain areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, a damaged building can suffer further collapses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the streets need to remain clear for ambulances, firefighters, and heavy equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recording a video should never be more important than allowing those trying to rescue people to do their job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a safety perimeter is in place, it must be respected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An earthquake that will mark Colombia\u2019s recent history
Available reports describe the earthquake as one of the strongest seismic events recorded in Colombia this century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its impact is not limited to the number of victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thousands of people may have lost their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buildings will need to be demolished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Businesses will remain temporarily closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roads, airports, and public utilities will need assessments and repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reconstruction could take months or years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next few hours will be crucial.
As night falls over Colombia, attention remains focused on the areas where people are missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rescuers are working against time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authorities continue to update the number of victims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hospitals have activated their emergency protocols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And thousands of families await news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tolls are still provisional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means they could rise, but also that there is still hope of finding people alive under the rubble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion: The 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck on Monday, August 10, 2026, left a deep trail of destruction in Colombia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The quake was centered near San Jos\u00e9 del Palmar, Choc\u00f3, and was felt in numerous cities across the country. Pereira, Cali, Manizales, and Quibd\u00f3 are among the areas with the most reported damage so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although initial reports indicated around 20 or 21 deaths, that figure was quickly outdated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the course of the day, the Associated Press reported at least 111 fatalities, while a later tally compiled by El Pa\u00eds provisionally placed the tragedy at 132 dead and around 570 injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dozens of buildings were also reported completely collapsed, more than a thousand structures damaged, and disruptions to operations at several regional airports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The emergency is still unfolding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, any tally should be considered provisional while search operations continue, especially in collapsed buildings and communities where communications remain disrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the coming hours, the priority will remain the same: finding survivors, treating the injured, and delivering aid to the thousands of people affected by one of the most devastating earthquakes Colombia has faced in its recent history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update note: The casualty figures correspond to reports available during the night of August 10, 2026 and may be modified as authorities consolidate new information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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