On Monday, August 10, a powerful earthquake struck several regions of Colombia, causing widespread damage to commercial and residential infrastructure. In the heart of Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó department, one of the most talked-about incidents was the partial collapse of a long-standing clothing store with a history spanning seven decades. Despite the destruction, a religious image of the Virgin Mary remained untouched, standing undamaged amid the rubble. The store, which had been operating for 70 years, became a central point of reference for local commerce and employment. The owners decided to open later than usual on the day of the quake, meaning no customers were inside when the structure collapsed. Upon returning to assess the damage, they confirmed that much of the roof had fallen and structural elements had collapsed over key areas. The display area, fitting room, and shelves were among the most affected zones, with a large portion of the inventory trapped beneath the debris. According to reports from Noticias Caracol, during inspections within the destroyed premises, a statue of the Virgin was found upright in its original place. Despite the surrounding collapse and the reduction of parts of the building to rubble, the religious figure showed no visible fractures or displacement. The merchants opted to keep the image in its location while they continued with the removal efforts and recovery of salvageable merchandise. As local authorities and risk management organizations work to evaluate the overall impact of the earthquake in Chocó, the store’s owners will focus their efforts on rebuilding the space. Their priority is to resume operations and maintain the jobs that rely on this business. Meanwhile, the earthquake also brought tragedy to other parts of the country. Journalist José Patiño lost his father, Darío Patiño, who died after being trapped under the debris of the building he lived in. For days, Patiño focused on finding his father, then recovering his body, and finally giving him a proper farewell. He shared his experience with SEMANA, describing the emotional journey through the search, the uncertainty, and the eventual identification of his father's remains. In another tragic incident, the family of the Saavedra Caicedo triplets faced immense loss. One of the three sisters, Sofia, was found dead under the rubble, followed by Isabella, who was also discovered lifeless. Only Ana María survived, though she suffered severe injuries requiring surgery. Her parents, Jairo and Victoria, were also found dead, embracing each other under the wreckage. The family's story has moved many, especially as friends and relatives organize fundraising efforts to support Ana's recovery. In Cali, the earthquake caused extensive damage, leading to the collapse of buildings and the loss of lives. Among the victims was the young boy Martín Vivas Jiménez, along with his mother and grandmother, who were found dead in the ruins of the Ana Pilar building. The community mourns their loss, and families share messages of grief and remembrance, highlighting the deep personal connections that have been shattered. The earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, was the strongest in recent Colombian history, according to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC). It occurred at a depth of 103 kilometers and was influenced by the interaction of the Nazca, South American, and Caribbean tectonic plates. The movement triggered numerous aftershocks, some of which led to evacuations and heightened fear among residents in the Pacific and Coffee Belt regions. Despite the devastation, there is a growing awareness of the need for accurate information during such crises. Local governments have issued warnings against spreading false information, particularly regarding potential building demolitions. In Cali, officials have denied rumors of immediate implosion plans, emphasizing that any decisions would require technical assessments before proceeding. Across the country, the aftermath continues to unfold. In Pereira, search and rescue teams remain active, working to locate missing persons and recover bodies. The city has become a focal point for both mourning and hope, as communities come together to support survivors and begin the process of rebuilding. Meanwhile, in Chocó, the effects of the disaster have exposed longstanding vulnerabilities, particularly in remote areas with limited access to basic services. The earthquake has left more than 43,000 people affected, with schools and health centers damaged or destroyed. In Quibdó, nearly half of the communities in the Litoral de San Juan region were severely impacted, with many lacking electricity, clean water, and reliable communication. The challenges of reconstruction are compounded by the lack of infrastructure and resources, making the path forward both complex and urgent. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the earthquake, stories of resilience and loss continue to emerge. From the miraculous survival of the Virgin image in Quibdó to the heartbreaking tales of families torn apart, the earthquake has left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands. The road to recovery is long, but the determination of the affected communities remains steadfast.
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