A devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, triggering widespread structural collapses, trapping people beneath rubble, and severely damaging regional transport infrastructure including the airport in Pereira, according to regional media outlets.
Magnitude 7.4 Tremor Strikes Western Colombia
The powerful earthquake hit during the early afternoon, sending shockwaves across the western region of the South American nation. According to seismological data cited by reporting outlets, the tremor registered at a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale, originating at a significant depth near San José del Palmar in the northwest of the country.
Airport Destruction and Trapped Travelers
Among the hardest-hit transport hubs was the airport in Pereira, located approximately 30 kilometers from the earthquake’s epicenter. Reporting from regional media outlets confirmed that the facility’s roof collapsed during the height of the shaking, creating immediate hazards for passengers and staff preparing for domestic flights.
Emergency response teams, including civil protection units, deployed rapidly to the disaster zone to search for survivors trapped underneath fallen debris. While initial assessments indicated multiple injuries across affected cities like Cali, Pereira, and Manizales, rescue operations remain ongoing to account for all individuals present in damaged public spaces.
Foreign Tourists Caught in the Disaster Zone
Several foreign nationals, including travelers from Italy, were caught directly in the impact zone. Italian media reports identified affected tourists from the Reggio Emilia area, including 33-year-old Eugenio Moratti—who was touring the country alongside his partner and a group of university friends—as well as a couple from Correggio named Elena Vezzani and Filippo Cirillo. At the exact moment of the tremor, the group was inside the Pereira airport terminal waiting to board an internal flight.
Regional Impact and Immediate Aftermath
The disaster presents an immediate logistical and humanitarian challenge for newly inaugurated Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, whose administration assumed office amid the unfolding emergency. Local authorities continue to coordinate rescue efforts across multiple impacted municipalities, where structural damage has severely affected local infrastructure, historic buildings, and transportation networks.
Emergency response operations and structural evaluations remain active across the affected provinces. Official updates regarding rescue totals and infrastructure assessments are expected as civil protection agencies clear debris from major transport terminals.
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