Major earthquake strikes Colombia; multiple killed, many more injured, and buildings collapse

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing significant damage and injuries across several regions and prompting evacuations as far away as Ecuador. The epicenter was located near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, with the US Geological Survey and Colombia's geological service reporting slightly different depth estimates. The USGS put the depth at 66 miles (107 kilometers) while Colombia's geological service revised its estimate to 60 miles (96 kilometers).

Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi said on social media that the regional capital, Quibdo, sustained injuries and serious damage to buildings. She says officials are already carrying out a damage assessment.

In Pereira, capital of neighboring Risaralda province, Governor Juan Diego Patino said that 18 people have been confirmed killed there, with serious damage to some buildings. The mayor of Cali said 20 buildings had collapsed in the city and that people were trapped inside the rubble.

The tremor was felt in Bogota, though Mayor Carlos Galan said on social media there was no major damage in the capital. Shaking was also reported in Venezuela's Tachira border state and the city of Barquisimeto, as well as in Ecuador, though no damage or injuries were reported outside Colombia.

Israel has already offered assistance. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said he had reached out to his Colombian counterpart, Foreign Minister Omar Bula, writing on X that Israel stands ready to help Colombia "as needed."

The US tsunami warning system said no tsunami warning was issued. The earthquake follows two major quakes that struck Venezuela in June, which killed more than 6,000 people, mostly along the coast near Caracas.