Colombia shakes as powerful earthquake jolts citizens awake

On June 8, 2025, a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck central Colombia, affecting a wide region from Paratebueno to the capital city, Bogota. The quake occurred at 8:08 a.m. local time and was recorded at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles, approximately 10.5 miles from Paratebueno, which lies about 116 miles southeast of Bogota. Residents in several cities, including Medellin, Cali, and Manizales, felt the tremors, causing widespread fear and prompting evacuations. The Colombian Geological Service indicated that additional aftershocks ranging from 4 to 4.6 on the Richter scale occurred shortly after the primary quake, adding to the alarm of the residents. Despite the significant magnitude of the quake, official reports indicated no immediate casualties or widespread damage. Local authorities, including the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, were assessing the situation in various municipalities. Although many residents fled their homes, seeking safety in public spaces, preliminary findings suggested that damage was mostly minor, primarily affecting facades and causing disruptions in power supplies, with service already being restored in many areas. Additionally, several individuals were reported to have been trapped in elevators, with one person needing medical attention due to an anxiety attack. Bogota's Mayor, Carlos Galan, reassured citizens via social media that no serious injuries had been reported. The local government suspended all city-run activities for the day to conduct structural assessments on buildings throughout Bogota. Reports from residents highlighted that it had been a considerable time since such a strong tremor was felt in the city, echoing a historical context of seismic activity in Colombia, which is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire—a region notorious for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The last major earthquake reported in central Colombia occurred in 1999, leading to tragic consequences, with approximately 1,200 fatalities. As the residents of Colombia cope with the aftereffects of the earthquake, officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Social media has played a pivotal role in communicating the quake's impact, with many sharing their experiences and the actions taken following the tremor. The government's focus remains on ensuring public safety and conducting thorough evaluations to mitigate potential future risks, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in such earthquake-prone regions.