i24NEWS: Over 130 Killed in Colombia Earthquake, Strongest in a Century

The humanitarian situation in Colombia has deteriorated rapidly as search and rescue operations enter their second day. Reports from i24NEWS and Israeli media indicate that the confirmed number of fatalities has surpassed 130, a significant increase from the 111 deaths reported by President Abelardo de la Espriella late Monday night. The earthquake, which struck with a magnitude of 7.4, has left a trail of destruction across the country's western corridor, particularly in the city of Cali.

Urban Destruction and Emergency Response

In Cali, the structural impact has been catastrophic. Initial reports confirmed the total collapse of a four-story building, followed by official acknowledgments that at least 61 buildings have been destroyed nationwide. Rescue teams are working against time to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble of residential and commercial structures. Among the sites sustaining damage is the local synagogue in Cali, where footage has emerged showing significant structural failure at the Jewish community center.

President de la Espriella, who assumed office only days ago on August 7, formally declared a state of emergency to facilitate the rapid deployment of military and medical resources. The Colombian government has reported that at least 87 people are injured, though this figure is expected to rise as communication is restored with more isolated regions in the Chocó department.

International Aid and Israeli Support

The international community has begun mobilizing resources to assist the South American nation. The U.S. Department of State announced a pledge of $15.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support relief efforts. In Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has communicated with his Colombian counterpart, Omar Bula, offering Israel's specialized search-and-rescue expertise and humanitarian aid. This outreach follows recent diplomatic efforts by the new Colombian administration to restore full ties with Israel, as previously reported by The Zioneer.

Analysis and Outlook

While the official death toll currently stands at over 130, the scale of the disaster remains developing. Early estimates from international monitoring agencies suggested that fatalities could reach between 100 and 1,000, depending on the extent of damage in high-density urban areas. The primary challenge for responders remains the threat of powerful aftershocks, which continue to endanger rescue teams and residents near compromised structures. Authorities have maintained the suspension of operations at several regional airports due to runway damage, complicating the arrival of international aid and the evacuation of the critically injured.