Strong Earthquake Strikes Colombia, Magnitude 6.5 Reported

Bogotá, Colombia — A strong earthquake shook Colombia this morning, registering a magnitude of 6.5. The quake occurred at 8:08 a.m. local time with its epicenter located in Paratebueno, in the Cundinamarca department.

The earthquake struck at a shallow depth of less than 30 kilometers, making it felt strongly in Bogotá and surrounding regions, including areas as far away as Villavicencio. Local authorities are currently assessing infrastructure damage and monitoring areas at high risk of collapse.

According to reports from the Colombian Geological Service (Servicio Geológico Colombiano), the coordinates of the earthquake’s epicenter are 4.36° latitude and -73.26° longitude. Nearby municipalities include Paratebueno, just 7 kilometers from the epicenter, Medina at 19 kilometers, and Restrepo (Meta) approximately 35 kilometers away.

The tremor has been felt across multiple regions, including Santander and Medellín, with many residents taking to social media to report their experiences. Although emergency services have not yet reported any injuries, the government is urging citizens to remain cautious and prepared for potential aftershocks.

Officials recommend that residents take certain precautions during earthquakes, such as staying close to structural supports, avoiding glass, and using stairs instead of elevators during evacuations. Those in coastal areas should also be aware of potential tsunamis and seek higher ground.

As of now, monitoring efforts continue, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to report any felt tremors through the official “Sismo Sentido” form established by the Geological Service to aid in their assessments.