A magnitude 7.4 [1] earthquake struck western and central Colombia on Monday, Aug. 10, 2024 [5], causing widespread devastation across the Eje Cafetero region.
The disaster has paralyzed air travel and destroyed critical infrastructure in several tourist destinations, prompting the government to declare a national disaster.
The quake hit the Eje Cafetero region hardest, specifically impacting the cities of Pereira and Manizales [2]. Damage also extended to the Pacific region, including Chocó and Valle del Cauca [3]. The intensity of the ground shaking triggered building collapses and landslides that buried homes and roads [1], [2].
Reports on the human cost vary across agencies. Some reports indicate 71 deaths [3], while other sources state the toll has reached 110 [4] or 111 [2]. Rescue operations remain the primary focus as teams search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble [2].
President Abelardo De La Espriella visited the most affected localities to promise government support and provide updates via social media [1]. The administration is coordinating emergency responses to address the dozens of ruined buildings and the ongoing crisis in the coffee-growing heartland [2], [3].
Infrastructure damage has caused a total paralysis of air travel in several affected zones [2]. Local authorities continue to assess the full extent of the structural failures in both urban centers and rural villages throughout the impacted provinces [2], [3].
“Colombia declares national disaster”
The scale of this earthquake highlights the vulnerability of Colombia's central highlands to seismic activity. By declaring a national disaster, the government can unlock emergency funding and international aid to rebuild the Eje Cafetero, a region critical to the country's coffee exports and tourism economy.
