Colombia earthquake causes partial collapse of Neo-Gothic Cathedral

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake shook western Colombia on Monday morning, August 10, killing at least 20 people (with the death toll continuing to rise) and causing severe damage across several cities — including the partial collapse of a tower at one of the country’s most iconic Catholic churches.

The quake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department on the Pacific coast. It is being called the strongest earthquake to hit Colombia in the last decade.

Among the hardest-hit sites was the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary (Manizales Cathedral) in Manizales, Caldas.

The Archdiocese of Manizales shared video showing cracks in the façade and the partial collapse of one of the side towers of this 390-foot neo-Gothic church — the tallest cathedral in Colombia and the tallest neo-Gothic church in the Americas. Debris fell onto the nave.

The cathedral has survived previous major earthquakes (including one in 1962 that also damaged a tower), but this latest tremor left visible structural damage. Access has been restricted while authorities assess the full extent.

President Abelardo De La Espriella (who is Catholic) has taken personal charge of the emergency response, saying: “You are not alone. The state is present and acting.”

The Archdiocese of Manizales urgently asked the faithful to pray:

“May God protect Manizales and Colombia, strengthen our hearts, and grant us serenity, solidarity, and hope. Lord, we place Colombia in your hands.”

Airports in several cities (including Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó) were temporarily closed for safety checks, and rescue efforts continue amid reports of collapsed buildings and people still trapped.