Colombia earthquake and structural damage

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, causing widespread alarm and infrastructure damage. In the department of Antioquia, the seismic waves reportedly caused mechanical clocks to stop functioning due to intense vibrations disrupting their calibrated rhythms.

Following the event, severe structural damage was reported to the Manizales Cathedral, a National Monument and Minor Basilica. The earthquake caused the collapse of one of the cathedral’s towers and its dome, along with the detachment of a Christ figure from the central bell tower. Other historical temples in the regions of Cauca, Tolima, Valle, and Caldas also sustained damage. Authorities are currently assessing the structural integrity of the cathedral to manage the risk of further collapses.

The disaster has resulted in an emergency situation involving hundreds of victims and thousands of injuries. The seismic event caused widespread panic in streets, homes, and shopping centers, prompting ongoing rescue efforts and reconstruction planning. In response, the National Geographic Institute (IGN) has issued safety guidelines, recommending the ‘drop, cover, and hold on’ method and advising citizens to maintain emergency kits containing essential supplies such as first aid, water, and non-perishable food.