10.08.2026 19:50
Colombia, a South American country, was shaken by a severe earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4. While Pereira, the heart of the world-famous Coffee Axis, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the country's favorite tourism center, suffered great destruction, the helplessness of the people pouring into the streets and the collapse of the historic church were captured on camera. According to preliminary assessments, at least 18 people lost their lives in the city.
In the severe earthquake of magnitude 7.4 that struck Colombia, Pereira, one of the country's largest cities, took the hardest hit. Located in the heart of the Coffee Axis (Eje Cafetero), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pereira — a favorite tourism hub known for its rich coffee culture, nature parks, and Andes mountain views — was shaken by the tremor. According to Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar Pelaez, at least 18 people lost their lives in the city. The total death toll across the country has reached 22 according to initial assessments.
CAUGHT ON THE STREET BY THE EARTHQUAKE
The fear and helplessness of citizens caught on the street by the earthquake were recorded moment by moment by cell phone cameras.
The horror of people fleeing buildings for open areas, embracing each other in tears, and screaming during the tremor was captured in the footage.
Police teams tried to calm the panicked crowd and direct them to safe areas.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS COLLAPSED
In images revealing the scale of the destruction, exterior wall and roof fragments of a historic church were seen collapsing with a loud noise and scattering onto the street. People and police teams trapped in the dense dust cloud formed by the collapse raced against time to help the injured and reach those under the rubble.
As search and rescue efforts continue uninterruptedly in the region, authorities fear the death toll may rise.