Colombia Earthquake Kills at Least 18, Damages Airports

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake rocked much of Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 18 people dead in the city of Pereira and two in Manizales. The seismic event caused significant damage across western and central regions, with six airports reporting damage and suspending operations.

The Aeronáutica Civil (Aerocivil) confirmed that airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura suffered damage. Operations at these terminals are halted as authorities assess structural integrity. The agency urged travelers to monitor official channels for updates on potential itinerary disruptions.

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Until now we register two deaths.

Pereira, Manizales, and Armenia are located in Colombia's coffee region, one of the areas hardest hit by the quake. In Manizales, the mayor reported that between 20 and 30 homes collapsed, along with several churches. The city has opened three shelters to assist those displaced.

The earthquake's epicenter was identified in San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department on the Pacific coast. The tremor, which occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time, was also felt in Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella convened an emergency committee and planned to visit Pereira to support affected residents.

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Operations are suspended for safety until structural damage in the infrastructure is assessed.