A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia today, causing part of the historic Manizales Cathedral to collapse and sending debris spilling into the streets of the city. Widespread damage has been reported across several cities, with injuries confirmed and emergency crews now assessing the full extent of the destruction.
The earthquake, one of the strongest to hit the country in years, has devastated parts of Manizales, a city known for its cultural and architectural heritage. The cathedral, a landmark and one of the most iconic religious buildings in Colombia, suffered significant structural damage, with large sections crumbling to the ground.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to affected areas, with rescue operations underway in multiple cities. While official casualty figures have not yet been released, local authorities have confirmed that there are injuries and that search-and-rescue efforts are continuing.
In addition to the damage in Manizales, other cities have reported collapsed buildings, cracked roads, and power outages. Residents have been seen fleeing their homes, fearing further aftershocks. The government has urged calm and called on citizens to cooperate with emergency services as they work to secure affected areas.
The full scale of the damage is still being assessed, but initial reports indicate that the quake has left a trail of destruction across the region.
