At Least 50 Dead in 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western Colombia

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia at 07:34 local time, causing at least 50 fatalities and widespread destruction. The quake's epicenter was located in San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, at a depth of 96 kilometers. It was felt across nine departments and all 32 departmental capitals in Colombia, as well as in neighboring Venezuela.

The city of Pereira in the Coffee Triangle reported the highest death toll with 18 confirmed dead, according to Mayor Mauricio Salazar. Nearby Manizales reported three fatalities, and one person died in the port city of Buenaventura due to a building collapse. In Cali, more than eight buildings collapsed, leaving many residents trapped under rubble. Mayor Alejandro Eder called for emergency rescue teams from Bogotá and Medellín, noting that rescue operations were underway at 12 critical sites and 25 buildings had collapsed.

Chocó Governor Novia Carolina Córdoba-Correa reported significant injuries and damage in the capital Quibdó and warned of aftershocks. Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority suspended flights at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, and Cartago to inspect for structural damage. The U.S. tsunami warning system confirmed there was no tsunami threat.

Israeli Rabbi Yosef Germon, present in Bogotá during the quake, described the intense shaking and ongoing aftershocks, noting people were frightened and evacuated buildings. Following the earthquake, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed concern and offered Colombia any assistance Israel could provide, emphasizing readiness to help as needed.