Strong earthquake strikes central Colombia; Paratebueno epicenter confirmed by USGS

At 8:08 a.m. local time (1308 GMT) on Sunday, June 8, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck central Colombia, with its epicenter located 17 kilometers northeast of Paratebueno in the department of Cundinamarca. The United States Geological Survey confirmed the depth of the quake at 10 kilometers, categorizing it as a shallow event, which typically results in more intense surface shaking.

The Colombian Geological Service and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management issued rapid alerts in the minutes following the quake. Officials confirmed that the tremor was felt in multiple regions, including Bogotá, where people evacuated buildings in response. There have been no fatalities reported as of the latest official updates.

Where was the impact felt and what is the current damage status?

According to initial reports from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, the quake was felt most strongly in the municipalities of Paratebueno, Medina, and other nearby towns in Cundinamarca. Residents in Bogotá, Villavicencio, and even as far as Manizales and Cali also reported feeling the tremors. In the capital, sirens were activated and emergency protocols triggered as a precautionary measure.

Images and videos shared across Colombian media and social platforms showed people exiting homes, offices, and shopping centers in Bogotá. No major damage was observed in the capital, but localized infrastructure damage was reported in rural areas. In Paratebueno, officials noted that four people sustained minor injuries, some buildings partially collapsed, and road surfaces developed cracks.

The Colombian Red Cross and civil defense units were deployed to assess the situation in the most affected areas. Local authorities in Cundinamarca confirmed that emergency response protocols were active and that structural inspections were underway in municipal buildings, churches, and older residential structures.

What do seismic agencies say about the aftershocks?

Following the main event, the Colombian Geological Service registered a series of aftershocks ranging between magnitudes 4.0 and 4.6, occurring within the same fault zone. These tremors were felt within a 50-kilometer radius and prompted additional safety checks in affected towns.

Experts from the geological agency noted that such aftershocks are common in the hours and days following a seismic event of this magnitude. While no additional structural damage was attributed directly to the aftershocks, authorities have advised residents in the region to remain cautious and avoid entering structurally compromised buildings.

What is Colombia’s earthquake history and risk profile?

Colombia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions in the world. The country is situated at the intersection of the Nazca, South American, and Caribbean tectonic plates, making it highly susceptible to both earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Historically, Colombia has experienced several high-impact seismic events. The 1999 Armenia earthquake in the Coffee Axis region, which had a magnitude of 6.2, resulted in over 1,100 fatalities. Earlier, the Popayán earthquake of 1983 caused significant devastation with over 300 deaths. These events have shaped Colombia’s seismic risk policies and building code reforms.

Sunday’s earthquake adds to a series of moderate quakes recorded across Colombia in 2025, although most previous tremors were below magnitude 5. The Eastern Cordillera, where Paratebueno is located, is known for its fault activity and is among the country’s high-risk seismic corridors.

How have emergency authorities and government responded?

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, in coordination with local municipalities and emergency services, immediately activated its incident response protocol. Colombian Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco was briefed on the situation and instructed departmental governors to ensure on-ground coordination.

In Bogotá, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán confirmed via social media that while no injuries were recorded in the city, all public buildings were being inspected. Schools and hospitals in central Colombia were advised to carry out structural checks before resuming normal operations. In towns closest to the epicenter, like Paratebueno and Medina, local emergency committees began distributing safety advisories and coordinating community support.

In a national bulletin, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, under which the Colombian Geological Service operates, reassured the public that seismic monitoring would continue around the clock. Energy providers also confirmed that electrical service was quickly restored to areas that experienced momentary disruptions.

Were there any transport or infrastructure disruptions?

Preliminary assessments from the Ministry of Transport suggest that key national highways remained operational, but cracks were reported along smaller roads in Cundinamarca. Rail and air services were not disrupted, according to updates from Colombia’s civil aviation authority.

Local utility services, including water and electricity, were momentarily interrupted in some areas near the epicenter. These were mostly restored by midday. Telecom providers also confirmed that network traffic spiked during the initial moments following the quake but stabilized within hours.

Authorities have emphasized that while widespread infrastructure damage has been avoided, continued inspections are critical due to the shallow depth of the quake and the ongoing risk of aftershocks.

What safety measures are being recommended to residents?

The Colombian Geological Service and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management have advised residents in affected areas to avoid re-entering damaged buildings, remain alert to official advisories, and prepare emergency kits in case of further seismic activity. Public messaging on radio and television urged citizens to review household emergency plans and ensure that elderly and vulnerable family members are accounted for during aftershocks.

Emergency hotlines were activated across multiple departments to assist those with injuries or property damage. The government also issued an online platform where residents can report damage and receive updates.

How are experts assessing the broader implications?

Seismologists have emphasized that Sunday’s quake, while not unusual for Colombia’s geological setting, should serve as a reminder of the country’s persistent exposure to tectonic hazards. Analysts at Universidad de los Andes noted that the event underscored the critical need for rural seismic retrofitting and consistent urban enforcement of building codes.

While Colombia’s largest cities have invested in resilient infrastructure and emergency training over recent decades, smaller municipalities still face budgetary and logistical hurdles. Experts have recommended that the national government prioritize seismic education programs and increase funding for local-level disaster risk management units.

The Colombian Society of Engineers has also reiterated its call for updated vulnerability maps and enhanced funding for seismic sensors across the Eastern Cordillera. These upgrades, they argue, are vital to reducing long-term disaster risks and improving early-warning capabilities.

What happens next in Colombia’s earthquake response?

As of 7:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, the situation remains under active monitoring. No new aftershocks of significant magnitude have been recorded since early afternoon. The Colombian Geological Service will continue to analyze fault line behavior in the region and issue real-time updates if new tremors are detected.

Local governments are expected to provide consolidated damage reports by Monday morning. President Gustavo Petro is anticipated to hold a briefing early in the week, outlining any new national initiatives or support packages for affected regions. No state of emergency has been declared as of this writing.

In the coming days, attention will turn to both infrastructure resilience and community preparedness. The absence of casualties in Sunday’s quake has been widely viewed as a relief—but also a narrow escape that reinforces the necessity of constant readiness in one of the world’s most seismically complex nations.