Powerful 7.4 Earthquake Kills At Least 77 in Colombia, Israel Offers Aid

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the moment magnitude scale struck Colombia on Monday, killing at least 77 people. The quake's epicenter was in the Chocó department on the Pacific coast in western Colombia, and it was strongly felt as far as the capital, Bogotá, and near the Venezuelan border in eastern Colombia. Significant structural damage and injuries were reported, including from the city of Pereira in Risaralda department. Despite the quake's strength, no tsunami warning was issued.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who recently visited Colombia and met with incoming President Abelardo de la Espriella, expressed concern and offered Israeli assistance to Colombia. Sa'ar communicated directly with Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar, stating that Israel is prepared to provide aid as needed and extended his thoughts and prayers to the Colombian people during this difficult time.

This earthquake comes about six weeks after neighboring Venezuela experienced two strong quakes of magnitudes 7.5 and 7.2 within 40 seconds, which caused severe damage in Caracas, including building collapses and airport closure. Venezuela declared a state of emergency following those events.