A magnitude-7.4 earthquake [1] struck the Pacific region of Colombia on Monday, causing the collapse of a tower at the Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora del Rosario [2].
The disaster highlights the vulnerability of historic infrastructure in Colombia's coffee-growing region and the devastating impact of high-magnitude seismic events on urban centers.
The earthquake hit on Aug. 10, 2026 [1], causing widespread building collapses across the country. In Manizales, located in the department of Caldas, the cathedral's tower collapsed toward the central nave [6]. Video footage captured the moment the structure gave way as people gathered outside the basilica [2].
Casualty reports vary by location. In Pereira, 18 people died [4], while reports for Manizales are contradictory; some authorities reported only injuries [7], while other reports stated two people died in the city [3]. Nationwide, the death toll has risen to more than 100 [5].
The seismic event was noted for its unusual duration. Alejandro Paul said, "El terremoto de Colombia ha durado más de 130 segundos" [8]. This duration—over 130 seconds [8]—contributed to the extent of the structural failures observed in various cities.
Beyond the damage to the cathedral, the earthquake caused significant disruptions to transportation. Reports indicate the quake left several buildings collapsed and caused damage to an airport [5]. Emergency responders have been deployed to the most affected areas to search for survivors among the rubble of collapsed residences and public buildings.
Local officials in Caldas continue to assess the stability of other historic structures in Manizales. The cathedral remains a focal point of the recovery effort as engineers determine if the remaining sections of the basilica are safe for entry.
“The earthquake hit on Aug. 10, 2026, causing widespread building collapses across the country.”
The collapse of the Manizales cathedral tower underscores the risk that aging masonry and historic architecture pose during prolonged seismic events. With the quake lasting over two minutes, the sustained oscillation likely exceeded the structural thresholds of older buildings, suggesting a need for updated seismic retrofitting standards for cultural heritage sites across the Andean region.
