Colombia earthquake death toll reaches 254 after a 7.4-magnitude quake toppled buildings and sent terrified residents running for safety.
Dramatic footage captures the terrifying moments a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, sending people running for safety as buildings shook, structures collapsed and debris crashed into the streets.
Videos from Pereira, Cali and other affected areas show the force of the earthquake and the panic as residents tried to escape.
Watch the footage:
Reuters / Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/reels/Db408JfFJTz/
Reuters footage of people fleeing falling debris:
https://www.facebook.com/Reuters/videos/people-run-from-falling-debris-after-colombia-earthquake/1030618706436977/
People flee as a building collapses in Pereira:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2026/aug/10/people-flee-building-collapses-earthquake-colombia-city-video
Anadolu Agency footage of a high-rise building visibly swaying:
https://x.com/anadoluagency/status/2086900389400691108
Footage showing a family escaping during the earthquake:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db5fmgujKPP/
Additional footage of residents rushing from a home:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db5pn5jERAp/
Footage of a cable car violently swinging during the earthquake:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/destinations/watch-terrified-tourists-scream-as-cable-car-swings-violently-during-colombias-7-4-magnitude-earthquake-video-captures-panic-in-mid-air/articleshow/133156388.cms
#Colombia #ColombiaEarthquake #Earthquake #Pereira #Cali #BreakingNews #WorldNews #TheMorningTelegraph
A powerful Colombia earthquake has killed at least 254 people after buildings collapsed and terrified residents ran into the streets as violent shaking struck the country’s west.
The magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit western Colombia early Monday, August 10, causing widespread destruction across the country’s coffee-growing region.
The Colombian Geological Service recorded the epicentre near San José del Palmar in Chocó. It placed the earthquake at a depth of about 103 kilometres.
Some of the worst destruction was reported in Pereira and Cali, while Manizales, Quibdó and other communities across western Colombia also suffered significant damage.
Dramatic videos emerging from affected areas showed just how violent the shaking became.
One recording from Pereira showed people desperately running from a building moments before part of the structure collapsed behind them. Concrete and debris crashed towards the street as residents fled.
Other footage showed tall buildings visibly swaying during the earthquake, while videos recorded inside homes captured furniture and household objects violently moving.
Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises Above 250
By Tuesday, August 11, Reuters reported that at least 254 people had died as rescuers continued searching damaged and collapsed buildings.
More than 5,000 homes suffered damage, while the disaster disrupted electricity, water supplies and communications in some areas.
Rescue crews worked through piles of concrete and twisted metal throughout the night.
Firefighters, emergency workers, soldiers and volunteers used cranes and excavators to reach people trapped beneath rubble. In some locations, rescuers also removed debris with their hands as relatives waited nearby for news.
Nearly 100 aftershocks had been recorded by Tuesday morning, increasing fears among residents and adding another danger for crews entering unstable structures.
Hospitals also suffered damage during the earthquake. In heavily affected areas, authorities faced growing pressure as injured residents required urgent treatment.
The earthquake damaged apartment blocks, homes, schools and health centres across the affected region.
Rescue Teams Race to Find Survivors
Western Colombia’s coffee-growing region of Risaralda, which includes Pereira, was among the hardest-hit areas.
The disaster also affected Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, where buildings suffered major structural damage.
Residents joined organised rescue crews in searching through destroyed structures.
Authorities have warned that communication problems in several areas mean the true extent of the disaster may take time to establish.
The government declared a national emergency after the earthquake and deployed resources to the worst-affected communities.
President Abelardo De La Espriella said the government’s first priority was rescuing people trapped beneath the rubble.
The government has also announced economic relief measures for people affected in Risaralda as the country begins confronting the enormous cost of recovery.
International assistance has also been offered as Colombia responds to one of its worst natural disasters in decades.
For many Colombians, however, the videos emerging from the disaster capture the terrifying reality more powerfully than statistics.
Residents had only seconds to react as buildings shook, walls cracked and structures began collapsing around them.
Rescue teams continue searching for survivors, while families wait beside destroyed buildings hoping relatives can still be found alive.
With rescue operations continuing and communication with some affected communities still difficult, the full human cost of the Colombia earthquake may not yet be known.
