Colombia Declares Emergency After 7.4 Earthquake Kills at Least 77

At least 77 people were killed in a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia today (Monday) and was felt as far away as the capital, Bogotá. Authorities reported many injuries, people trapped beneath collapsed buildings, and extensive damage at several locations across the country’s west. In the wake of the disaster, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar offered Israeli assistance to Colombia, just days after his visit to the country.

According to the Colombian Geological Service, the earthquake’s epicenter was in Chocó Department, on the country’s Pacific coast in western Colombia. The quake was strongly felt in more distant areas as well, with residents reporting that it could be felt as far as the area near the Venezuelan border to the east.

Local authorities are still assessing the scale of the disaster. The mayor of Cali said people remain trapped in buildings that collapsed in the quake. According to him, at least 20 buildings fell in the city. Meanwhile, the mayor of Manizales announced that two people were killed within the city.

The governor of Chocó Department wrote on his X account that the departmental capital sustained significant structural damage and that there were also injuries. The mayor of Pereira, in Risaralda Department, reported 18 deaths, along with numerous casualties and widespread destruction. Despite the strength of the quake and the extent of the damage, authorities did not issue a tsunami warning.

Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority said several airports were damaged, including those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura. In response, air operations at each damaged terminal were suspended pending safety inspections and a situational assessment.

Against the backdrop of the events, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who visited Colombia several days ago and met with incoming President Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of his inauguration, issued a message of support: "I am following with concern the reports of the earthquake that struck Colombia," he wrote on his X account. Sa’ar added that he spoke with his Colombian counterpart, Omar Bola Escobar, and offered Israel’s help. "Israel stands ready to assist Colombia as needed," he wrote, adding: "My thoughts and prayers are with the Colombian people at this difficult time."

The current earthquake comes shortly after another major seismic event in the region. About a month and a half ago, neighboring Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.2, occurring roughly 40 seconds apart. In that incident, buildings collapsed in the capital, Caracas; residents were evacuated from their homes because of the heavy damage; the city’s airport was closed; and interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency in the country.