Over 200 killed in magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia’s Choco province
An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 shook Colombia’s coastal Choco province at 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday, killing at least 224 people and trapping an unknown number of people underneath rubble.
According to the geological service, the quake struck at a depth of 79 km, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar.
Shortly after the initial tremor, the geological service reported an additional magnitude 4.8 seismic incident in the same region.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said preliminary reports indicated that 111 people died and 87 were injured, along with dozens of collapsed buildings and damaged homes.
Videos posted on social media showed parts of Manizales city’s Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica, the tallest cathedral in Colombia, crumbling after the tremor.
Santiago de Cali City Mayor Alejandro Eder stated that at least 20 structures have collapsed, trapping people underneath rubble as emergency services work to get the situation under control.
Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) stated that there is no tsunami threat.
The Colombian Geological Service initially reported theearthquake’sa magnitudeasf 6.6, before revising the officialmeasuremente to 7.4. Other initial reports also varied in magnitude between 6.6 and 7.4.
Colombian president calls emergency meeting, Israel offers assistance
De la Espriella convened an emergency meeting with UNGRD to assess the damage, review incoming reports, and coordinate the emergency response in affected areas, according to a statement from the president’s office.
“The national government has all of its capabilities deployed to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver aid wherever it is needed,” he said in a national address around 1 pm local time.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar shared his concernabouter the earthquake in a statement oX (formerly Twitter)er and offered his Colombian counterpart any assistanct Israel coulprovidete in the aftermath of the quake.
“Israel is prepared to assist Colombia as much as required,” Sa’ar stated, adding that his “thoughts and prayers are with the Colombian people during this difficult time.”
President Isaac Herzog also expressed his condolences in a post on X on Monday. “From Jerusalem, my heart goes out to the families of all those who lost their lives. The people of Israel are praying for the injured, and that all those still missing will be located and brought to safety as quickly as possible,” he said.
“We send strength and support to Colombia’s President and his government, the emergency services, rescue teams, and volunteers working to save lives. The people of Israel stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you all!”
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