Reasons why Armenia had no collapsed structures during the severe earthquake that shook Colombia
The article discusses the contrast between two major earthquakes that affected Armenia, Colombia, in 1999 and 2026. The 1999 earthquake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, caused widespread destruction, including the collapse of hospitals, schools, police stations, and dozens of residential buildings, resulting in at least 921 deaths. In contrast, the 2026 earthquake, which was more powerful at 7.4 magnitude and lasted over a minute and thirty seconds, did not result in any building collapses. Although 8,664 structures were affected and 80 required evacuation due to risk of collapse, no fatalities occurred, and residents were able to evacuate safely. Engineers attribute this outcome to improved construction practices and seismic-resistant designs implemented after the 1999 disaster, with the city being nearly fully rebuilt. Local authorities are now conducting daily inspections to assess structural safety.
Terremoto, Day 4: Where It Collapsed and Where It Was Built More than 45,000 homes have been affected by the earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday, with over 1,600 schools damaged and 180 hospitals suffering serious infrastructure failures. Despite living with earthquakes, many constructions in the country fail to meet seismic resistance standards. Data reviewed by La Silla Vacía reveal that building density is concentrated in areas such as Bogotá, Antioquia, and Valle, one of the most affected departments. In Chocó, the epicenter of the disaster, 75 percent of buildings lack measures to withstand earthquakes of this magnitude. These figures highlight both the scale of destruction and the immense challenge ahead. The government has declared an economic emergency in response to the crisis. The earthquake’s impact was felt across multiple regions, with varying degrees of damage. In some parts of the country, particularly in urban centers, the collapse of structures led to immediate displacement and loss of life. Emergency services reported that while many buildings were severely damaged, none collapsed entirely in certain areas, notably in Armenia. This contrast underscores the importance of modern construction practices and retrofitting efforts. The city of Armenia, which suffered catastrophic losses in 1999, managed to avoid similar outcomes during this week's quake due to improved building codes and reconstruction efforts following the earlier disaster. Experts from the Geological Service explain that the recent earthquake was more intense and prolonged compared to previous ones. While Venezuela, Spain, and Indonesia also faced major tremors, the focus remains on how best to protect individuals within buildings during such events. One widely discussed method is the so-called "triangle of life," which suggests finding shelter near sturdy objects to create a protective space. However, authorities, including the United States Geological Survey (USGS), have dismissed this technique as unsafe. Instead, they recommend staying inside the building and applying the "drop, cover, and hold on" procedure, covering the head and neck with arms and remaining in place until the shaking stops. The USGS emphasizes that fleeing a building during an earthquake can increase exposure to hazards such as falling glass, heavy objects, and structural elements. Authorities in Bogotá have reinforced these guidelines, advising against rushing toward staircases or using elevators during tremors. The risk of injury rises significantly when people attempt to evacuate quickly, especially in multi-story buildings where movement through corridors can be dangerous. The height of a structure alone does not determine its safety; rather, it depends on whether it meets seismic-resistant design criteria. In contrast, the city of Armenia provides a notable example of how preparedness can mitigate disaster impacts. After experiencing a devastating earthquake in 1999 that destroyed nearly 35,000 homes and left 921 dead, the city undertook extensive rebuilding efforts. New designs incorporated seismic-resistant materials and techniques, ensuring that structures could better withstand future shocks. As a result, despite the severity of the recent earthquake, no buildings fully collapsed, and no lives were lost. Engineers attribute this outcome to the city’s comprehensive reconstruction and ongoing maintenance programs. Local officials continue to assess the situation, conducting daily inspections of residential and commercial properties, schools, hospitals, and religious sites. Over 8,664 buildings showed some level of damage, with 80 requiring evacuation orders. While some structures will need to be demolished, others remain safe for occupancy. Residents who lived through the 1999 disaster recall the trauma of losing their homes and families, but they now feel a sense of relief knowing that the city is better equipped to handle such crises. As recovery efforts begin, the focus shifts to long-term solutions. Experts stress the need for stricter enforcement of building codes and increased investment in infrastructure resilience. With the government having declared an economic emergency, resources are being directed toward both immediate aid and sustainable rebuilding. The path forward involves not just repairing what was broken, but ensuring that future disasters do not repeat the devastation of the past.
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