At least 224 killed, more trapped under rubble after 7.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Colombia

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 Jose 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.

The Colombian Geological Service initially reported the earthquake's magnitude as 6.6, before revising the official measurement 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 concern about the earthquake in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) and offered his Colombian counterpart any assistance Israel could provide 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."