7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia Causing Injuries and Structural Damage

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the moment magnitude scale struck Colombia on Monday, with its epicenter located in the Chocó department on the Pacific coast in the western part of the country. The tremor was felt as far east as the border with Venezuela, including in the capital city Bogotá. The governor of Chocó reported injuries and significant damage to buildings in the department's capital but confirmed no tsunami warning was issued following the quake.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who recently visited Colombia to meet the incoming president, expressed concern over the earthquake and offered Israeli assistance to Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar. Sa'ar stated on social media that Israel is prepared to provide aid as needed and sent thoughts and prayers to the Colombian people during this difficult time.

This earthquake comes about six weeks after two strong earthquakes struck neighboring Venezuela, measuring 7.5 and 7.2, causing building collapses in Caracas, evacuations, and the closure of the city’s airport. The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency in response to those events.