In recent days, significant seismic activity has been experienced in Colombia., with episodes recorded between June 13 and 18, 2025. These tremors have generated some concern in various regions, especially in Santander and Cundinamarca, where the population is increasingly attentive to official reports and recommendations from the authorities.
The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) maintains active surveillance on seismic activity throughout the country, providing up-to-date information on the magnitude, depth, and epicenter of earthquakes. The presence of these phenomena leads citizens to promote prevention and self-protection measures, which are essential in a region of high seismic activity.
Details of the recent recorded seismic movements
According to the most recent data from the SGC, On June 13, at least seven seismic movements were reported. in different parts of Colombia. One of the most notable earthquakes had its epicenter in the municipality of Los Santos, Santander, with a magnitude of 3.3 and a depth of 149 kilometers. In addition, other smaller earthquakes were detected in the same region and in cities such as Medina (Cundinamarca), Piedecuesta (Santander), and El Rosario (Nariño), with depths ranging from shallow to 149 kilometers.
On On June 16, a magnitude 3.2 earthquake was reported. in La Belleza, Santander, with epicenter 17 kilometers from that municipality and a depth superficial, less than 30 kilometers. These earthquakes are felt more intensely in nearby areas, although usually they do not cause serious damage.
El June 17, other movements caught attention experts and residents. In Medina (Cundinamarca), two earthquakes reached intensity 4, the first at 7:48 a.m. and the second at 11:16 a.m., both with depths shallow and magnitudes of 2.7 and 3.2 respectively. Meanwhile, in Los Santos (Santander), an event of perceived intensity 3 and depth of 133 kilometers was recorded, in addition to aftershocks. minors throughout the day.
The earthquakes, with recurrent epicenters in the Los Santos region, considered the second most seismic zone in the world, as well as in Medina (Cundinamarca), demonstrate the high level of geological activity in the central and northeastern parts of the country.
How intensity is measured and what it means for the population
La intensity of earthquakes in Colombia It is assessed using the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS-98). On this scale, events of intensity 3 are slightly perceptible, while those of intensity 4 are felt inside buildings and can cause vibrations in doors, windows, and light objects. Higher levels, such as 5 and 6, They can cause furniture to shift and structural damage..
La frequency of these phenomena makes it essential that the community be prepared. Therefore, Authorities recommend having an emergency kit and follow prevention protocols to protect families in the event of major earthquakes.
Essential recommendations in the event of an earthquake
To deal with these events, the Colombian Geological Service advises staying calm and strengthening preventive measures. Among the main recommendations are:
- Do not stand under door frames or near windows or suspended elements. during the earthquake.
- Always have an emergency backpack ready with hygiene items, medicines, clothing, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, and cash. It is recommended to adapt the contents to the needs of each household.
- Establish meeting points with loved ones and practice regular drills.
- Review evacuation routes and home safety regularly.
Keys to staying informed and useful tools
Real-time monitoring and reporting They are vital for reacting quickly to earthquakes. The SGC offers a digital form for citizens to report if they have perceived any movement, facilitating the authorities' management and response.
In addition, technology also provides tools such as Google's 'ShakeAlert', which on Android devices allows you to receive early warnings of earthquakes detected by globally distributed sensors, giving you seconds to take precautions.
Why Colombia is such a seismic country
Colombia, due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, is constantly exposed to ground movements. This area experiences the greatest seismic and volcanic activity in the world, due to the interaction of plates such as the Nazca, Caribbean, and South American. These tectonic shocks produce recurring tremors that affect various regions of the country.
The departments of Nariño, Chocó, Caldas and Santander They are the most historically affected by seismic activity. The town of Los Santos in Santander stands out for its high frequency of reports, which keeps both residents and the authorities in charge of risk management on alert.
Collective memory recalls historic earthquakes, such as the one that occurred in the Coffee Region in 1999, the Páez earthquake in 1994, or the earthquakes that generated tsunamis on the Pacific coast at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. These events reinforce the importance of being prepared and not letting our guard down in the face of the possibility of future major earthquakes.
The series of earthquakes from June 13 to 18, 2025, demonstrates the high seismic activity in the region. Increasing preventive measures, keeping the population informed, and leveraging available technology are key steps to reducing risks and protecting lives in the future.
