Not even the Lightning Museum was spared from the strong 7.4 quake that almost turns Roldanillo into a 'Magic Village' of rubble

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck Colombia on Monday, August 10, causing widespread damage across multiple regions, including the Valle del Cauca department. The quake severely affected healthcare infrastructure, particularly in the northern part of the department, where hospitals suffered extensive structural damage. In response, the regional government, along with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Ministry of Health, announced a detailed assessment of the health system to determine the extent of the damage and develop a recovery plan. The health network in Valle del Cauca had already been under critical strain due to financial difficulties before the earthquake. These challenges included delayed payments from health promotion entities (EPS), leading to overcrowded emergency services, shortages of medicines, and partial closures of clinics and hospitals. Now, these issues have worsened due to the additional damage caused by the earthquake. According to preliminary reports, hospitals in the northern area of the department were hit hardest. The hospital in El Águila was completely damaged, while those in Roldanillo and La Victoria sustained around 80% damage. All three hospitals are in critical condition. Maria Cristina Lesmes, secretary of health for Valle del Cauca, stated that 45 officials would conduct evaluations of the medical facilities across the 40 municipalities in the department. In addition to the damage to hospitals, the earthquake also impacted rural areas, such as Argelia in the north of Valle del Cauca. Reports indicate that homes, churches, and rural roads were damaged, complicating access to essential services and supplies. The situation is especially concerning for rural communities, where damaged roads can hinder the movement of food, machinery, and emergency responders. Roldanillo, known as a "Magic Town" for its colorful houses and artistic culture, suffered severe damage. The iconic Rayo Museum, a key cultural landmark, was among the most affected structures. Authorities reported two fatalities and 112 injuries in the municipality, with nearly 1,300 homes damaged. The local government has pledged to provide rental subsidies to affected families while working on long-term solutions. The earthquake also disrupted education in other parts of the country. In Cundinamarca, several schools were closed due to damage, and inspections were underway to assess the full extent of the destruction. Light cracks were reported in buildings in cities such as Ubaque, Nilo, and Tabio, prompting authorities to continue monitoring the situation closely. The health sector in Valle del Cauca declared a red alert, requiring all health institutions to provide care without barriers to patients affected by the earthquake. The regional health authority took over the management of ambulance fleets to improve response times. The governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro, previously declared a humanitarian emergency in 40 municipalities, urging EPS and health providers to implement immediate contingency measures to prevent the collapse of the system. She emphasized the need for urgent action to address both the ongoing financial crisis and the new challenges posed by the earthquake's aftermath. Authorities continue to evaluate the damage and work on plans to restore healthcare services and infrastructure. The situation remains fluid, with more assessments needed to fully understand the scope of the damage and the necessary steps for recovery.