A strong earthquake struck Matecaña International Airport in Pereira, Colombia, on Monday, Aug. 10 [1].
The event highlights the vulnerability of critical transport infrastructure to seismic activity in a region known for geological instability. Such incidents can lead to immediate operational shutdowns and potential safety risks for thousands of travelers.
José Gallego, a social media influencer, captured the moment the tremor hit the terminal in a live broadcast [1], [2]. The footage shows the airport shaking, causing ceiling panels to fall and debris to scatter across the floor [1], [3]. Passengers in the terminal reacted with panic as the structural components failed above them.
In a caption accompanying the video, Gallego wrote, "Caiu tudo," which translates to "everything fell" [1]. The video serves as a primary record of the interior damage and the immediate reaction of those trapped inside the building during the shaking [1], [3].
Following the event, Gallego described the experience as the biggest scare of his life [2]. He said, "O susto da minha vida" [2].
Airport authorities have not yet released a formal report on the total extent of the structural damage or the number of injuries resulting from the falling debris. The footage remains the primary evidence of the chaos that ensued within the terminal on Monday [1], [3].
“"Caiu tudo"”
This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining seismic resilience in Colombian infrastructure. Because the region is situated near active fault lines, the collapse of non-structural elements like ceiling panels during a tremor indicates a need for stricter adherence to modern earthquake engineering standards in public hubs.
