As if finally making it to the Colombian presidency in one piece and alive wasn’t enough of an adventure for newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella, how about an earthquake just three days later and a major temblor at that?
A honkin’ 7.4 on the Richter scale hit the country yesterday, at 7:30 in the morning.
Rescue workers and volunteers rushed to clear rubble as they searched for survivors in Colombia early Tuesday after the country was struck by its strongest earthquake on record.
At least 169 people died and more than 600 were injured in the earthquake, according to a tally released Tuesday by the Association of Mayors.
By Monday night, more than 2,700 people had been reported missing. Many families posted information about loved ones online, hoping for information about their fate.
The 7.4-magnitude quake struck cities across Colombia’s western region shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time Monday, sending panicked residents onto the streets.
…The country’s president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who had been on the job for only three days, declared a state of emergency and vowed a concerted rescue effort.
One of our dear, far-flung VIP members here at HotAir got a message to me that he and his dog were safe, and that his house had held up fine, but that the houses and apartment building across the street from his home were badly damaged. He’s a stiff-upper-lip military guy, so I was glad to hear him say he had confidence in the competence of the new president, whom he says has the complete backing and support of the military and the police. That will be invaluable to get things moving quickly.
He did note that things in three major areas were bad – Pereria, Manizales and Cali – but said they could have been much worse.
This is the University Hospital in Cali as part of it comes down.
Así colapsó parte del Hospital Universitario de Cali, una de las ciudades más golpeadas por el sismo. #Colombia #Terremoto pic.twitter.com/1q3VRRUVzH
— Cristian Crespo F. 🇨🇺 (@cristiancrespoj) August 10, 2026
Our prayers for your safe-keeping are up, my friend.
This is the latest in a wild cluster of major quakes worldwide this year, and barely six weeks have passed since June’s devastating Venezuelan disaster.
The Monday earthquake in Colombia was the 10th worldwide this year to register at least magnitude 7.0 on the Richter scale.
It was also the strongest to strike Colombia since a magnitude 8.0 earthquake was recorded on July 31, 1970. https://t.co/VHogp28qeK pic.twitter.com/ToxZ0K9Gof
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) August 10, 2026
Some of the videos coming out from yesterday during the quake are insane. There was a group of construction workers atop a high-rise who were startled at first and then terrified. I don’t think there’s a soul on Earth who would begrudge these guys the prayers you’re hearing over the roar.
And watching the rebar columns undulating like giant sand worms is the wildest thing ever.
I also noticed that there was rebar…
Colombian construction workers pray to God while standing at the top floor of a highrise building under construction during today’s 7.4 magnitude earthquake
…unlike so many of those doomed multistory buildings in Venezuela. Whatever the Petro administration’s faults, at least construction standards seem to have been somewhat better in Colombia.
That doesn’t mean there weren’t terrifying scenes and devastating damage to buildings.
The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary partially collapsed during the quake, while terrified people huddled in scrums in the street trying to stay upright and free of the falling debris.
🇨🇴 The moment the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Manizales, Colombia, partially collapsed during the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake. pic.twitter.com/BzqUSPq1GT
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 10, 2026
One of the basilica’s great towers shifted as it shimmied and settled sideways onto its base.
🚨🇨🇴BREAKING: Apocalyptic scenes in Colombia as the Cathedral in Manizales collapses under the force of the earthquake.
People watch in fear and disbelief as the towers of one of Colombia’s oldest Christian cathedrals come crashing down.
Pray for Colombia.…
— Mario ZNA (@MarioBojic) August 10, 2026
Mary and the Christ Child hung in there at a smaller church. Hearts were in throats for a bit, though, and many faithful were relieved and thankful afterward.
A statue of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus withstood the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia.
From apartment buildings chunking apart to the very finest of houses in the nicest of neighborhoods. Watch as this family hauls butt out of their house with no time to spare.
For a second, it’s just shimmy shimmy coco-but in the driveway, and then the ground really starts moving, and the teenager can barely stay upright.
Ainda abismado a cada novo vídeo que vejo da Colômbia 🇨🇴 das casas desmanchando com a força do terremoto de hoje cedo pic.twitter.com/pGVYVZCUwE
— George Marques 🇧🇷 (@GeorgMarques) August 10, 2026
Still stunned with every new video I see from Colombia of houses crumbling under the force of this morning’s earthquake
The kitties all alone in this house almost look like they had an emergency plan (which every household should have no matter where you live, but especially if you’re in a hazard zone).
Observen donde se fueron a esconder estos gatitos buscando refugio en el momento del terremoto.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has informed the Colombians that the Trump administration is monitoring the situation and stands by to render whatever assistance is needed. He is also encouraging U.S. citizens in the country to register with the State Department.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered his country’s support to Colombia this Monday following the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that shook much of the country, caused severe damage in several cities in the west and center, and has left at least 20 dead.
The head of U.S. diplomacy stated on social media that the Donald Trump Administration is closely monitoring the situation and “is ready to support” the Colombian people and the government of the president, Abelardo de la Espriella.
Rubio also urged U.S. citizens in Colombia to register on the State Department website and follow the social media accounts of the Embassy in Bogotá for assistance and information.
President De la Espriella was on his way to the capital and sent a message to his frightened and hurting people while in transit.
Me dirijo a Bogotá para concentrarme en la atención de la emergencia que enfrenta nuestro país.
He convocado un Puesto de Mando Unificado en la UNGRD, desde donde lideraré personalmente las acciones para atender a las comunidades del Chocó, el Eje Cafetero y todas las zonas… pic.twitter.com/Vo3bchx7lR
— Abelardo De La Espriella (@ABDELAESPRIELLA) August 10, 2026
I am heading to Bogotá to focus on addressing the emergency facing our country.
I have convened a Unified Command Post at the UNGRD, from where I will personally lead the actions to assist the communities of Chocó, the Coffee-Growers’ Axis, and all affected areas.
To the Colombians who are going through difficult times today, I want to say: you are not alone. You have a President who cares deeply for his people and who will do everything necessary to protect you, support you, and move forward together in rebuilding the affected regions.
All of four days in office. Gol-lee, NELL.
God bless him and everyone on the ground there.
Keep them ALL strong in the face of this enormous challenge.
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