A 6.0 magnitude earthquake rocked western Colombia, particularly impacting the city of Armenia in the Quindío department. At 1:12 PM local time, the tremors shook the region, causing widespread panic and immediate infrastructural damage. As the ground violently shifted, buildings crumbled, and numerous residents were trapped under debris. The earthquake's intensity rattled the nerves of people in neighboring cities, which also experienced aftershocks. Local emergency services were quickly mobilized, but the scale of the disaster overwhelmed their initial response capabilities.

Authorities reported that over 1,000 people lost their lives, with thousands more injured. The destruction extended beyond individual homes; entire neighborhoods were leveled, and many essential services were disrupted. Rescue operations continued for days, with volunteers from various sectors, including international organizations, arriving to assist in recovery efforts. Hospitals faced surges in patients, some of whom had sustained serious injuries, while others required urgent mental health support due to the traumatic experience.

In the aftermath, rebuilding efforts began almost immediately, with local government and international aid pouring into the affected areas. The earthquake raised significant concerns about the preparedness of Colombia for natural disasters, leading to changes in building codes and emergency management protocols. Additionally, it highlighted the vulnerability of the region to seismic activity and inspired a broader conversation about disaster preparedness across Latin America.