WATCH: Israel’s 'Alliance of Brothers' delegation aids in search and rescue efforts across Colombia
An earthquake measuring 7.4 magnitude struck San Jose del Palmar in western Colombia on August 17, 2026, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The disaster affected areas from Buenaventura to Cali and Pereira, resulting in approximately 290 deaths, over 140 people missing, and 4,200 injuries. The Israeli Defense Forces' Home Front Command, specifically the 'Alliance of Brothers' delegation, collaborated with local search teams to assist in rescue operations and structural assessments of damaged buildings. Despite ongoing efforts, rescuers reported no signs of life in some areas, and aftershocks continue to pose risks. Colombian billionaire Jaime Gilinski pledged significant funds for rebuilding infrastructure in his hometown, Cali.
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 40 people and causing widespread destruction. The seismic event occurred at 5:58 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located 68 kilometers (42 miles) north-northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. The quake triggered landslides and generated small tsunamis, with waves reaching up to 1.61 meters (5.3 feet) in height in parts of Manggarai and East Manggarai regencies. The Indonesian Meteorological Agency reported 235 aftershocks by Saturday afternoon, with the largest registering up to magnitude 6.2. The US Geological Survey noted the quake’s depth at 10 kilometers (six miles). The tremor caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, leading to power outages that hindered communication and search and rescue efforts. Landslides in Ende regency blocked the Trans-Flores highway, a key route connecting parts of Flores Island. According to the National Search and Rescue Agency, at least 40 bodies had been recovered, primarily in the severely affected regions of Sikka, Manggarai, and East Mangragai. Over 2,000 villagers in Nagekeo regency fled to temporary shelters due to the devastation. The death toll is expected to rise as landslides have buried or isolated many remote villages across six regencies on Flores Island. The impact of the earthquake extended beyond structural damage. Tsunami waves exceeding 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) were recorded in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, and Sape in Bima Regency. Videos captured by the Associated Press showed a coastal village in East Manggarai covered in mud and debris, with fishing boats stranded on land and homes surrounded by sediment from receding waters. The situation has prompted authorities to deploy three helicopters and a rescue vessel to support emergency operations, considering the challenging geography of the region, which comprises numerous islands and poses logistical difficulties. Meanwhile, in Colombia, a separate 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western regions on Monday, killing at least 287 people and injuring nearly 4,000. The quake, centered in San Jose del Palmar in the Chocó department, caused extensive damage from the Pacific port of Buenaventura to the coffee-growing regions and major cities such as Cali and Pereira. As of Saturday, around 400 people were still missing, with more than two-thirds of the fatalities concentrated in these two cities. Rescue operations continued despite the passing of the 72-hour window typically considered crucial for finding survivors. However, hopes of finding additional survivors diminished as rescue teams focused on recovering bodies and clearing debris. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared the disaster an “economic emergency” and initiated three days of national mourning. The president faced criticism for initially rejecting international aid offers, although teams from Israel, the United States, Ecuador, and El Salvador eventually arrived to assist. An Israeli delegation of 80 members, including representatives from the IDF, the Defense Ministry, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry, arrived in Cali to conduct search and rescue operations. This team, known as the “Alliance of Friends,” aimed to locate survivors and deliver humanitarian aid. The earthquake also brought attention to the broader implications for Colombia, which is already dealing with issues of internal displacement and migration. The UN refugee agency warned that the disaster could lead to further displacement, compounding existing challenges. Financial support from the World Bank, amounting to $200 million, was allocated to assist with emergency response and recovery efforts. Additionally, local communities mobilized to provide aid, with volunteers distributing food, water, and medical supplies to affected areas. As the search and rescue operations continue, both Indonesia and Colombia face the daunting tasks of managing the aftermath of these natural disasters. In Indonesia, the focus remains on locating additional victims and restoring essential services, while in Colombia, the emphasis shifts towards rebuilding and addressing the long-term impacts of the quake.
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