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Emergency in Juanchaco and Ladrilleros, in Buenaventura, due to rising sea levels: homes were flooded
CO🏛️ PoliticsCenter8/17/2026

Emergency in Juanchaco and Ladrilleros, in Buenaventura, due to rising sea levels: homes were flooded

Residents of the neighborhoods of Juanchaco and Ladrilleros in Buenaventura were forced to evacuate their homes due to rising sea levels and flooding, which occurred on August 15, 2026. The event took place days after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake affected western Colombia, including Buenaventura. Heavy rains caused significant damage, particularly in Lleras and Juanchaco, where residents had to flee their homes during the night of Saturday and early Sunday. Videos shared on social media show families carrying belongings as they evacuated. Previous reports indicate coastal erosion has already impacted over 100 meters of land in Juanchaco and compromised another 800 meters. Local media have called for solidarity, urging support for basic necessities like food, water, blankets, and other essentials. Flooding was reported in multiple areas along the coast, including Ladrilleros, La Bocana, and Punta Soldado. President Abelardo De La Espriella visited Buenaventura on Sunday, inspecting the damage and announcing measures related to infrastructure reconstruction and healthcare efforts.

Journalist Faces Grief After Earthquake Claims His Father’s Life José Patiño, a journalist based in Bogotá, is grappling with profound grief following the death of his father, Darío Patiño, during the powerful earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10. The quake, which had its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, left widespread devastation across western Colombia, including cities such as Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó. Patiño's father was trapped under rubble in a building in Cali and later identified among the debris by his son. Patiño described the days after the quake as a relentless search for answers and closure. He recounted how he initially tried to locate his father, then focused on recovering his body, before finally being able to give him a proper farewell. Only after these harrowing experiences did he find the strength to speak publicly about the tragedy, sharing his story exclusively with Semana. The last conversation Patiño had with his father took on new meaning after his death. They had planned to meet for a podcast interview, which never happened. During their final interaction, his father told him, "I lived happily since I was a child. I carry nothing." This sentiment weighed heavily on Patiño as he processed his loss. Patiño's journey began in Bogotá, where he received a call from his mother confirming she had been affected by the quake. Her house suffered structural damage, though an engineer has yet to assess the extent of the harm. Despite this, he continued trying to reach his father, who never answered his calls. Their last meeting occurred just a month prior, when they watched football together, a moment Patiño now recalls with deep sorrow. Earthquake Explained: Tectonic Subduction and Its Impact The earthquake measured 7.4 on the Richter scale according to the Colombian Geological Service, with its epicenter located in San José del Palmar, Chocó. It resulted from the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate, a process that frequently causes seismic activity in the region. Experts explain that this type of movement occurs when one tectonic plate moves under another, creating stress that eventually leads to earthquakes. This particular quake caused more than 200 fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure in several cities. Unlike the 1999 earthquake in the Coffee Axis, which had a lower magnitude but was shallower and more destructive, the recent event's depth and location influenced its impact differently. Coastal Flooding Compounds Crisis in Buenaventura In addition to the earthquake, coastal flooding exacerbated the crisis in Buenaventura, particularly in the neighborhoods of Juanchaco and Ladrilleros. Rising sea levels led to the inundation of homes and businesses, forcing residents to evacuate with their belongings. This situation followed heavy rains that worsened existing erosion issues in the area, which had previously affected over 900 meters of coastline. President Abelardo De La Espriella visited Buenaventura to address the aftermath of both the earthquake and the flooding, announcing efforts to rebuild infrastructure and provide essential services to affected communities. Community Response and Solidarity Efforts In response to the disaster, various community leaders and organizations have mobilized to assist victims. Former football captain Mario Yepes launched a campaign called "Levantemos a Colombia," organizing a charity match to raise funds for relief efforts. The event will take place on August 21 at the El Campín stadium in Bogotá, bringing together retired athletes to support reconstruction and aid programs. Additionally, businessman Luis Felipe Yagüe and the Federation of Panela Producers (Fedepanela) have initiated a donation drive aimed specifically at helping panela producers and farmers affected by the quake. The initiative aligns with the First Lady's "Colombia, un solo corazón" campaign, emphasizing national unity in times of crisis. Impact on Football Clubs and Players América de Cali, one of the most affected clubs, confirmed that several players and staff members suffered property damage due to the earthquake. Among them were international players such as Ecuadorian forward Daniel Valencia and Venezuelan midfielder Edson Tortolero, along with other team members. The club has pledged logistical support and donations to those impacted by the disaster. The Dimayor league suspended matches scheduled for the week following the quake, with games set to resume on August 14. América de Cali's match against Fortaleza has been postponed until further notice.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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8 reports

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 858/16/2026
José Patiño, face to face with the pain after the earthquake: he spoke to SEMANA about the death of his father and those anguishing hours of search

The article recounts the personal tragedy of journalist José Patiño following the August 10 earthquake in Colombia. His father, Darío Patiño, died trapped under debris in Cali after failing to answer a call from his son. The incident led to a desperate search and eventual recovery of his body. Patiño describes the emotional toll of losing his father and the difficulty of processing his grief. He reflects on the last conversation with his father before the disaster and discusses the community's efforts during the rescue operation. Despite his personal loss, he feels compelled to support other victims of the earthquake.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a deeply personal and emotional narrative surrounding a family tragedy caused by a natural disaster. While the event has political implications due to its national impact, the framing remains neutral, focusing on individual experience rather than partisan perspectives. The use

Why factuality (95): The article accurately recounts the tragic story of the Vivas family found under rubble in Cali, including their ages and the location of the building. It aligns with the primary source document and other articles, providing a detailed narrative of the rescue process and the emotional impact on love

Why objectivity (85): The article presents the story with empathy and sensitivity, focusing on the personal tragedy without overt bias. It balances factual reporting with emotional storytelling, maintaining a respectful and balanced perspective.

El Tiempo logoEl TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 858/12/2026
Earthquake in Colombia: what is the subduction of plates that unleashed one of the strongest earthquakes recorded and what is its relationship with Venezuela

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck western Colombia, triggered by the subduction of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. The quake originated in San Jose del Palmar, Choco, and caused over 200 deaths, along with significant damage to buildings in cities like Pereira, Manizales, and Cali. The event was linked to the movement of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate, a process known as subduction. Experts explained that this geological phenomenon occurs where multiple tectonic plates converge, leading to seismic activity. Unlike the 1999 earthquake in the Coffee Axis region, which had a lower magnitude but caused more fatalities due to its shallower depth, this quake's greater depth reduced its destructive impact on populated areas.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a scientific explanation of a natural disaster, discussing tectonic plate movements and their geological implications. It provides expert commentary and factual data without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any group, ideology, or policy.

Why factuality (90): The article accurately explains the geological causes of the earthquake, citing scientific sources like BBC News and university experts. It aligns closely with the primary source regarding magnitude, location, and tectonic plates involved.

Why objectivity (85): The article remains neutral, explaining the science without taking sides or injecting emotional language. It focuses on factual explanation without bias.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 858/11/2026
What to do if you are driving during an earthquake?

On August 10, 2026, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck several regions of Colombia, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó. The disaster resulted in 169 reported fatalities, primarily in cities such as Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, and Manizales, with many more people missing. Emergency authorities provided guidance on how drivers should respond during an earthquake, including gradually reducing speed, stopping in safe areas away from hazards like power lines or trees, and remaining inside vehicles unless there is an immediate danger. Authorities also offered advice for those trapped under debris after an earthquake, emphasizing safety measures to ensure survival.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a natural disaster and provides factual information on emergency preparedness guidelines issued by official agencies. There is no evident ideological framing, biased language, or selective emphasis on particular political perspectives. The content remains neutral and centered.

Why factuality (90): This article focuses on safety recommendations during earthquakes, providing specific steps based on official guidelines from UNGRD. It accurately reports the date, magnitude, and affected regions. The information is factual and aligns with other sources regarding the earthquake’s impact and respons

Why objectivity (85): The tone remains informative and objective, focusing on practical advice without emotional embellishment. It presents the information in a neutral manner, suitable for public guidance.

El Tiempo logoEl TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 788/17/2026
Emergency in Juanchaco and Ladrilleros, in Buenaventura, due to rising sea levels: homes were flooded

Residents of the neighborhoods of Juanchaco and Ladrilleros in Buenaventura were forced to evacuate their homes due to rising sea levels and flooding, which occurred on August 15, 2026. The event took place days after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake affected western Colombia, including Buenaventura. Heavy rains caused significant damage, particularly in Lleras and Juanchaco, where residents had to flee their homes during the night of Saturday and early Sunday. Videos shared on social media show families carrying belongings as they evacuated. Previous reports indicate coastal erosion has already impacted over 100 meters of land in Juanchaco and compromised another 800 meters. Local media have called for solidarity, urging support for basic necessities like food, water, blankets, and other essentials. Flooding was reported in multiple areas along the coast, including Ladrilleros, La Bocana, and Punta Soldado. President Abelardo De La Espriella visited Buenaventura on Sunday, inspecting the damage and announcing measures related to infrastructure reconstruction and healthcare efforts.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of natural disaster impacts and government response without overt ideological slant. It includes both local and national-level responses, mentions the president’s visit, and calls for community support without taking a clear partisan stance. While the issue of災

Why factuality (85): The article reports on a coastal flooding event in Buenaventura, linking it to recent heavy rains and a prior earthquake. It mentions evacuation due to rising sea levels and provides specific details like the date (August 15, 2026) and affected areas (Juanchaco and Ladrilleros). It references social

Why objectivity (78): The article presents the situation in a straightforward manner but includes some emotionally charged language such as 'fuerte oleaje' (strong waves) and 'afectaciones' (impacts), which may influence reader perception. While it calls for solidarity without overt bias, the focus on the hardship faced

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 858/11/2026
We are all with our hearts in a fist: David Bisbal spoke about how he experienced the earthquake from Bogotá

A strong earthquake struck Colombia on August 10, 2026, during the morning, affecting international figures present in the country, including Spanish singer David Bisbal, who was in Bogotá recording a new season of the television show 'Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos.' Bisbal shared his experience of the quake via Instagram, describing the initial panic he felt upon waking up to the tremor. He noted that while the shaking was strongly felt in Bogotá, leading to precautionary evacuations, the damage was more severe in other parts of the country, particularly around the epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó. Bisbal later reported that the situation in Bogotá did not escalate further, though he acknowledged the gravity of the disaster elsewhere.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a natural disaster and personal reactions to it, with no political commentary, framing, or bias evident in the content. It provides a neutral account of the event and the experiences of individuals affected by it.

Why factuality (80): The article accurately describes the earthquake’s epicenter (San José del Palmar, Chocó) and its effects on Bogotá, including David Bisbal’s personal experience. It aligns with other reports regarding the magnitude and location of the quake. The details about the artist’s reaction are anecdotal but

Why objectivity (85): The article remains neutral in tone, focusing on the personal account of David Bisbal and the general impact of the earthquake. It avoids political or emotional commentary, maintaining a balanced and factual approach to the subject matter.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 308/16/2026
Solemn gesture of Mario Yepes after the earthquake: The most important title, help Colombia to get up

Following a recent earthquake in Colombia, former captain of the Colombian national football team Mario Alberto Yepes has taken initiative to organize a charity match featuring legendary footballers to raise funds for those affected by the disaster. Yepes emphasized the importance of unity and collective support during this challenging time, highlighting that the event aims to assist families who have lost everything. The match, scheduled for August 21 at Bogotá’s Estadio El Campín, will bring together retired athletes and focus solely on humanitarian efforts rather than competition. All proceeds from ticket sales will go toward reconstruction and addressing urgent needs in the affected areas.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports-related event organized by a former athlete to aid victims of a natural disaster. There is no political framing, discussion of policies, or mention of political figures. The content remains strictly focused on the charitable initiative within the sports community.

Why factuality (60): The article mentions Mario Yepes' initiative but does not provide concrete evidence of donations collected or the extent of his involvement. The focus is more on the emotional appeal than factual reporting of the disaster itself.

Why objectivity (30): The article is highly biased towards Mario Yepes' perspective, using emotional language ('entre lágrimas', 'no es fácil') and framing the event through a sports lens rather than presenting objective facts about the earthquake's impact or response efforts.

El Tiempo logoEl TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 30Objective 308/13/2026
Don Luis Felipe Yagüe and Fedepanela join forces to support panelleros affected by the 7.4 earthquake: 'Colombia we are all'

An entrepreneur named Don Luis Felipe Yagüe, along with Fedepanela, has launched a campaign to collect donations for panel makers and farmers affected by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10. The quake caused damage across rural areas in departments such as Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, Quindío, Chocó, and Tolima, as well as cities like Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, and Quibdó. The initiative aims to provide resources to support those who suffered infrastructure losses due to the disaster. Yagüe, who recently faced discrimination related to his commercial activities and political positions, joined this effort after receiving public solidarity. The campaign aligns with the first lady of Colombia’s initiative called 'Colombia, un solo corazón,' which gathers contributions from businesses and organizations to assist affected communities. Donations can be made through specific bank accounts provided by Fedepanela.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a charitable initiative led by a private individual and organization in response to a natural disaster. While the involvement of a prominent figure with political ties is mentioned, the framing remains neutral, emphasizing aid efforts rather than political agendas. There is no

Why factuality (30): This article talks about support efforts for agricultural communities affected by the earthquake but omits any reference to infrastructure evaluation or educational institutions, which are the focus of the primary document. The information presented is tangential to the main event described in the o

Why objectivity (30): The article presents a positive narrative about solidarity and aid efforts while omitting any discussion of potential risks or ongoing investigations into building safety. This creates an overly optimistic and potentially biased portrayal of the situation.

Semana logoSemanaIndependentCenterFactual 30Objective 308/13/2026
These are the players of América de Cali who were affected by the earthquake: Iván Vélez confirmed it

América de Cali, a Colombian football club, suffered significant damage from an earthquake that struck the southwest region of the country on August 10. The club's sports manager, Iván Vélez, confirmed through Win Sports TV that several players and staff members were affected by the disaster. These include Ecuadorian forward Daniel Valencia, Venezuelan midfielder Edson Tortolero, defender Dany Rosero, and newly signed player Yhormar Hurtado, who reportedly had to jump from a second floor to escape danger, similar to a previous incident involving another player. Additionally, former player Alex Escobar and assistant coach Ricardo were also impacted. The club has pledged support and resources to those affected by the earthquake.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on the impact of a natural disaster on a sports team and does not involve any political controversy, ideology, or policy debate. It provides factual information about the affected individuals and the club's response without any apparent bias or framing that suggests a lean

Why factuality (30): The article discusses damage to football clubs and players from the earthquake but does not mention infrastructure verification or educational institutions, which are central to the primary document. It introduces unrelated details about specific athletes and their homes, which are not covered in th

Why objectivity (30): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'dramatic moments', 'tragic story', and 'heart-wrenching account'. It focuses on individual tragedies rather than presenting a balanced overview of the situation.

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