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7.4 Quake Strikes Colombia, 47 Dead, Israel Responds

8/10/2026

Summary

Espriella Leads Response

A magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Aug. 10 2026, killing at least 47 people.
The epicenter was near San José del Palmar, Chocó, 250 miles west of Bogotá.
President Abelardo de la Espriella said he personally led the response.
Officials reported 18 deaths in Pereira, two in Manizales, and 27 in Valle del Cauca, including three children.
Air traffic was halted at the airports of Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura and Pereira.

Summary

Geological Services Confirm

Colombian Geological Service and U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake’s magnitude 7.4 and depth about 96 km.
U.S. tsunami warning system said no tsunami threat despite the offshore epicenter.
Chocó Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi warned Quibdó residents of strong aftershocks in hours.
Disaster Risk Management Unit is contacting authorities in nine departments to verify damage and coordinate evacuations.
Witnesses in Venezuela’s Táchira state and Barquisimeto felt the tremor, showing cross-border reach.

Summary

Sa'ar Sends Aid

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Israel will provide rescue, medical and logistical aid to Colombia after the quake.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, inaugurated Friday, led his first emergency committee to coordinate the response.
The Colombian Geological Service said a magnitude-4.8 aftershock hit the same area shortly after the main shock.
Social-media videos captured the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica in Manizales collapsing, showing real-time damage.

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Espriella Leads Response

A magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Aug. 10 2026, killing at least 47 people.
The epicenter was near San José del Palmar, Chocó, 250 miles west of Bogotá.
President Abelardo de la Espriella said he personally led the response.
Officials reported 18 deaths in Pereira, two in Manizales, and 27 in Valle del Cauca, including three children.
Air traffic was halted at the airports of Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura and Pereira.

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