Tolima earthquake caused material damage to 224 homes and 16 hospitals; churches also affected

Tolima, Colombia – A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake on August 10th left a trail of material destruction across 25 municipalities in Colombia's Tolima department. While no fatalities or injuries were reported in the region, the seismic event caused significant damage to hundreds of homes, essential health facilities, and historic churches.

Official reports from the Tolima Governorate confirmed that 224 homes suffered structural damage. Additionally, 16 hospitals and 3 churches were affected. Although the damage to hospitals is described as minor, they are continuing to provide essential health services. Some churches, including the San Juan Bautista church in Chaparral, lost their domes, highlighting the force of the tremor.

In response to the widespread damage, the Tolima health network activated a yellow alert as a precautionary measure. The Secretary of Health, Luis Eduardo González, assured that critical hospital services, including water, medical gases, and backup power, remain functional. However, cracks and fissures were identified in several health institutions, including the Limonar campus of the Federico Lleras Acosta Hospital in Ibagué and hospitals in Chaparral, Purificación, and Líbano.

The earthquake also triggered landslides in the Ibagué–Cajamarca corridor and on the Fresno–Manizales–Palocabildo route. In the education sector, 21 institutions were affected, with 10 deemed high priority. The airport in Ibagué reported no damage and continues to operate normally. Residents described the experience as terrifying, with buildings shaking violently.