Colombia: MOMENT - Building collapses in Colombia as magnitude 7.4 earthquake kills at least 21.

RESTRICTION: “@Ramxees VIA X" — NO RESALE / MUST ON-SCREEN COURTESY — EDITORIAL USE ONLY— SHOTLIST: COLOMBIA (AUG. 10, 2026) (@Ramxees VIA X - RESTRICTED) 1. MOMENT OF BUILDING PARTIALLY COLLAPSING DURING MAGNITUDE 7.4 EARTHQUAKE, DEBRIS FALLING, DUST FILLING STREETCOLOMBIA - AUG. 10 - RESTRICTION: “@Ramxees VIA X" — NO RESALE / MUST ON-SCREEN COURTESY — EDITORIAL USE ONLY—: At least 21 people were killed on Monday after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, causing buildings to collapse and triggering large-scale rescue operations across multiple cities. Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar confirmed that at least 18 fatalities occurred in the city. In Manizales, Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas reported at least two deaths and the total or partial destruction of over 32 buildings. Authorities in Manizales have suspended all academic activities and reported gas and electrical leaks. In Quibdo, preliminary reports indicate one person was killed, in addition to injured people and severely damaged buildings. The tremor took place at 1234GMT with an epicenter located approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) east of the town of San Jose del Palmar, according to data from the US Geological Survey. The US agency reported that the earthquake originated at a depth of 107 km (66.5 mi). Despite the significant strength of the quake, the US Tsunami Warning System announced that no tsunami is expected for the US states of California, Oregon, Washington, or Alaska, and also ruled out one hitting the Canadian province of British Columbia. Colombian authorities said there is no tsunami threat to the Colombian Pacific. Colombia’s civil aviation authority reported damage to Cali's Alfonso Bonilla Aragon Airport, adding it to the list of affected terminals. Furthermore, air operations at Popayan Airport were suspended due to volcanic ash from the Purace volcano following the seismic activity. Previously, operations were halted at terminals in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura for structural assessments. The US Embassy in Bogota said it is closely monitoring the situation, urging American citizens to stay alert to local news and maintain communication with their families. An aftershock of magnitude 5.0 struck at 1318GMT approximately 16 km (9.9 mi) west of San Jose del Palmar. “The state is present and taking action,” Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella said following the tremor, confirming that he took direct leadership of the emergency response. He ordered the immediate establishment of a unified command post to coordinate response efforts. De La Espriella requested a comprehensive report from the director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management on the situation in the town, situated roughly 240 km (150 mi) west of the capital Bogota. The president also confirmed he will travel to Pereira to support those affected and monitor the government's response. The municipality, located in the Choco Department, has a population of some 4,800 and sits 1,288 meters (4,225 feet) above sea level. - Local response The governor of Choco, Nubia Carolina Cordoba Curi, confirmed that the departmental capital, Quibdo, sustained severe structural damage and reported multiple injuries. Firefighters in Quibdo reported that individuals are trapped inside damaged structures, while Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder stated at least 20 buildings collapsed in his city with people trapped inside. In Manizales, the capital of Caldas department, the quake caused significant destruction. Images on social media showed one of the main towers of the city's iconic cathedral sustaining severe structural failure, leaning against the central structure. Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez confirmed that municipal disaster risk management teams are actively conducting damage assessments. In the capital city of Bogota, emergency sirens sounded as thousands of office workers and residents evacuated into the streets. The earthquake’s reach extended well beyond Colombia’s borders, with strong shaking reported in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. Authorities across affected departments continue to evaluate the full extent of the casualties and physical damage. According to experts, this is one of the strongest earthquakes of the century in the country.