A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, causing the collapse of a cathedral tower and killing nearly 111 people nationwide [1, 4].
The disaster highlights the vulnerability of historic infrastructure in the region. The scale of the casualties and structural failures has forced the government to mobilize national emergency resources to handle the crisis.
The earthquake occurred on Aug. 10 at approximately 7:30 a.m. [2, 3]. The Servicio Geológico Colombiano recorded the epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó [5]. While some reports initially cited a magnitude of 6.6, other records confirm the strength at 7.4 [1, 5].
In Manizales, located in the department of Caldas, the Catedral Basílica suffered severe structural damage. The right lateral tower of the cathedral collapsed inward [1, 2]. Several other buildings in the city center also sustained grave damage [1].
Local officials reported a death toll of three in Manizales [5]. "We are still very scared because of the very strong shaking. In the city of Manizales, we have a balance of three dead," Juan Felipe Serna said [5].
The impact extended across multiple regions. In Pereira, authorities confirmed 54 deaths [5]. National totals reached nearly 111 dead [4].
Following the devastation, a national disaster was declared on Monday [4]. "This Monday I declared a national disaster due to the strong earthquake that has already taken nearly 111 deaths across the country," Abelardo de La Espriella said [4].
Emergency crews continue to assess the stability of the remaining structures in Manizales. The collapse of the cathedral tower serves as a focal point for the city's recovery efforts as residents remain on alert for aftershocks.
“The right lateral tower of the cathedral collapsed inward.”
The collapse of the Catedral Basílica de Manizales, a prominent landmark, underscores the critical need for seismic retrofitting of historic masonry in Colombia's Andean region. Because the epicenter was located in Chocó but caused significant deaths in cities like Pereira and Manizales, the event demonstrates how deep-seated tectonic shifts can impact urban centers hundreds of kilometers away.
