6 Colombian airports forced to close with flights suspended

At least 20 people have died after the 7.4-magnitude quake hit the western region of the country, leaving more injured and buildings reduced to rubble.

Residents have found themselves trapped beneath debris, and there are fears of further aftershocks as recovery efforts continue.

The epicentre of the earthquake was San Jose Del Palmar, a community of 4,800 people in the Choco region, around 250 miles west of Bogota.

Manizales, Colombia. Terremoto. pic.twitter.com/BzKcaWIHm1

— Jupac (@Jupacg) August 10, 2026

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck at a depth of 66 miles.

Colombian cities worst affected by the earthquake

The cities worst affected by the powerful earthquake include Pereira, where 18 people are confirmed dead, and Manizales, where two fatalities have been reported.

In Manizales, a mountain city in Colombia’s coffee region, part of the neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed during the quake.

Mayor of Manizales, Jorge Eduardo Rojas, said: "Two people have died in the city because of the quake."

Choco Governor Nubia Cordoba said there were injuries and severe damage in Quibdo, though further details were not provided.

Elsewhere, homes and small buildings crumbled in Pereira, Cali, and Quibdo.

In Cali, a city of two million people, Mayor Alejandro Eder reported that people were trapped in at least 19 collapsed buildings.

Powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Manizales, Colombia 🇨🇴 (10.08.2026) pic.twitter.com/zoWkaaWDGG

— Disaster News (@Top_Disaster) August 10, 2026

Jorge Moncayo, a 64-year-old taxi driver from Cali, described what he saw.

Mr Moncayo said: "My entire house shook.

"I’ve never lived through such a powerful earthquake."

In Manizales, part of the neo-Gothic cathedral fell during the tremor.

Colombia’s newly inaugurated president, Abelardo de la Espriella, said he had taken direct charge of the emergency response efforts.

President de la Espriella said: "You are not alone.

"The state is present and taking action."

Flights at 6 Colombian airports suspended

All flights at six Colombian airports have been suspended due to damage caused by the earthquake, according to the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority.

The six airports that have now closed, according to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's (FCDO) travel advice, are:

• La Nubia Airport (Manizales)
• Matecaña International Airport (Pereira)
• El Edén International Airport (Armenia)
• El Caraño Airport (Quibdó)
• Santa Ana Airport (Cartago)
• Gerardo Tobar López Airport (Buenaventura)

Authorities in Colombia continue to assess the damage, with emergency crews working to rescue those still trapped under debris.

Residents have been advised to stay outside in case of aftershocks.

Is it safe to travel to Colombia?

Small earthquakes are relatively common in central and western Colombia, but major quakes are rare.

The last significant event occurred in 1999, when a 6.2-magnitude quake near Armenia killed more than 1,100 people.

This earthquake follows two strong tremors in Venezuela in late June, which killed more than 5,000 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings.

The FCDO already advises against all but essential travel to parts of Colombia.

This is due to various factors, including illegal armed groups, illegal migration and drug trafficking.

Foreign Travel Advice for Colombia has been updated following the earthquake.

The FCDO says: "If you’re in Colombia, follow the advice of local authorities, stay away from damaged buildings and plan ahead.

"Be aware of the possibility of earthquake aftershocks."

It adds: "Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and any instructions in your hotel or accommodation.

"If an earthquake happens, monitor local media reports, follow instructions from the authorities and keep essential belongings, such as your passport and money, with you."

You can get real-time information (in Spanish) following an earthquake from:

• National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD)
• Colombia’s Geological Services
• Colombia from Colombia’s Geological Services

Do you have any upcoming flights booked to Colombia? Let us know in the comments below.