Monoplaces, nostalgia and speed in front of the river: the best postcards of the Pony Malta Circuit that made motoring history in Barranquilla

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck Colombia on August 10, 2026, causing widespread devastation across several regions. The tremor, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in Chocó, left hundreds dead, thousands injured, and entire communities displaced. As rescue efforts continue, challenges such as damaged infrastructure and disrupted communication networks have complicated the response to the disaster. The lack of reliable connectivity in affected areas, including Chocó and Valle del Cauca, has hindered both humanitarian operations and the flow of critical information. The quake occurred just three days after President Abelardo De La Espriella assumed office, leaving many government institutions still operating under provisional administrations. Despite this, authorities declared a national disaster on August 11, enabling the mobilization of resources and emergency measures. However, the absence of clear plans for managing communications during emergencies has raised concerns among local populations and aid workers. Major telecommunications providers, including Claro, Tigo, and Movistar, reported disruptions due to network saturation, physical damage, and power cuts. Users in affected regions described difficulties accessing cellular services and the internet, which limited their ability to obtain updates on relief efforts. Data collected by IODA from Colombia showed a consistent decline in internet connectivity in the regions of Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindío starting around 12:30 UTC on August 10. Connectivity levels dropped significantly before gradually recovering over the following 23 hours. Risaralda and Quindío experienced the largest declines, reaching 38.67% and 45.49% of initial connectivity levels respectively. By contrast, Caldas saw the smallest drop, falling to 71.23% of its baseline level. While recovery was observed in all regions, none reached their pre-earthquake connectivity levels. This ongoing disruption has made it difficult for residents and relief workers to coordinate effectively. In Pereira, a city heavily impacted by the earthquake, the disappearance of Mexican nationals Mario Zapata and Brenda Flores has added to the uncertainty surrounding the crisis. The couple had been vacationing in Risaralda when the quake struck. Their last known contact with family members was before the disaster, and they were confirmed to be staying at the Hotel Dibeni, one of the buildings severely damaged in the area. Relatives have expressed frustration with the slow pace of official updates and have opted to travel independently to Pereira in hopes of receiving firsthand information about rescue operations. Meanwhile, in Cali, a two-month-old infant named Salomón was rescued alive from the rubble of a collapsed building. His father, Juan David, was also found safe, but his mother, Valentina, and her brother, Juan Vanegas, remain missing. Family members have been searching desperately for them, believing they might be trapped beneath the five-story structure in the Capri neighborhood. Despite ongoing search efforts, there has been little progress in locating the missing individuals. Efforts to provide immediate assistance have included donations from private companies. Coca-Cola delivered more than 76,000 liters of hydration supplies to affected areas, while Avianca transported 60 tons of aid. Additionally, the Chinese government announced $1 million in humanitarian support for Colombia's victims of the earthquake. These contributions highlight the international community’s involvement in addressing the aftermath of the disaster. Transportation challenges have further complicated relief efforts. Taxi drivers and other transport operators have faced obstacles due to mandatory documentation requirements, which have led to delays in delivering essential goods to affected zones. Leaders within the taxi industry have urged the government to temporarily suspend these regulations to facilitate faster delivery of medical supplies and food to the hardest-hit areas. The request underscores the urgent need for flexibility in administrative procedures amid the ongoing crisis. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on restoring connectivity, ensuring the safety of those still trapped, and providing adequate support to the growing number of displaced families. With each passing day, the scale of the challenge becomes clearer, emphasizing the necessity of coordinated action from both local and international stakeholders.