Story perspectives

Colombia Declares National Emergency After 7.4 Quake

8/14/2026

Summary

President Declares Emergency

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency after a magnitude 7.4 quake on August 10, 2026.
The quake’s epicenter was San José del Palmar, Chocó, 107 km (66 mi) deep.
The disaster left at least 132 dead, 570 injured and 188 missing, and damaged over 1,600 structures.
De la Espriella mobilized the military, police and engineers, promised rental subsidies, and secured $15.5 million from the United States, 80 Israeli rescuers and 19.5 tons of Mexican aid.

Summary

Espriella Recognizes Golan

On August 10, 2026 President Abelardo de la Espriella announced Colombia recognizes sovereignty over Golan Heights.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called the decision historic after meeting de la Espriella in Barranquilla.
The pact moves the embassy to Jerusalem, grants visa-free travel, launches a trade agreement and withdraws Colombia from the Hague Group case at the ICJ.
Syria, the Arab League and Arab states condemned the move as illegal.

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President Declares Emergency

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency after a magnitude 7.4 quake on August 10, 2026.
The quake’s epicenter was San José del Palmar, Chocó, 107 km (66 mi) deep.
The disaster left at least 132 dead, 570 injured and 188 missing, and damaged over 1,600 structures.
De la Espriella mobilized the military, police and engineers, promised rental subsidies, and secured $15.5 million from the United States, 80 Israeli rescuers and 19.5 tons of Mexican aid.

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