Earthquake in Colombia via the Geological Service
The SGC has a total of 339 seismic stations, located throughout the Colombian territory and in specific areas such as active volcanoes. 206 seismic stations are located covering the entire territory corresponding to the National Seismic Network and 133 seismic stations installed on the active Colombian volcanoes that are permanently monitored in three volcanological and seismological observatories.
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Find out here about the earthquakes that occurred in Colombian territory, reported by the Geological Service. Here we tell you which were the latest.
How is a tremor different from an earthquake?
Both are movements of the Earth, but we usually call “earthquake” those of greater magnitude and destructive impact, while “tremor” is used for milder earthquakes.
Why are several magnitudes reported for the same earthquake?
Because the first information comes from nearby stations and is adjusted as more data arrives from different sensors. Science continues calculating after the first notice.
How do you know it will shake?
Earthquakes cannot be predicted, but seismographs and accelerographs detect ground movements in real time to alert us as quickly as possible.
What to do if I am on the street when an earthquake starts?
Look for an open place away from poles, trees, or buildings. Beware of electrical wires. If you are driving, stop cautiously in a safe place.
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- WHAT IS A SEISMIC SWARM?
- A seismic swarm is a group of earthquakes that occur in the same area during a short period of time. Unlike a single strong earthquake, seismic swarms usually consist of numerous minor tremors. Often, there is no main earthquake triggering the swarm, but the seismic events occur more or less continuously and are related to tectonic processes.
- HOW TO ACT DURING AN EARTHQUAKE?
- • Go to the already established safety zones.
- • Stay away from glass or objects that could fall.
- • If possible, avoid panic and try to stay calm.
- • Do not run in vehicle passage areas.
- • If you are driving, stop your vehicle.
- • If you are in a building, do not use the elevator, always use the stairs.
- • Be attentive to minors, disabled people, and the elderly.
- HOW IS A TREMOR DIFFERENT FROM AN EARTHQUAKE?
- The terms “tremor” and “earthquake” are often used interchangeably, but in general, the difference lies in their magnitude, perceived intensity, and reach.
- • Tremor: Refers to seismic movements of lesser intensity. Usually, it is used to describe low magnitude earth tremors that do not cause significant damage to structures or people. They are perceptible, but their impact is mild.
- • Earthquake: Refers to a seismic event of greater magnitude. Earthquakes are significant seismic tremors that can cause severe damage to buildings, infrastructure, and, in the most severe cases, cause personal injuries and even loss of life. They have considerable magnitude and are often accompanied by aftershocks.
- WHAT IS SEISMIC SILENCE?
- Seismic silence is a prolonged period without significant seismic activity or intensity in a region, which may indicate the accumulation of tectonic stresses and an increased risk of a future earthquake.
- WHAT IS THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE?
- The Pacific Ring of Fire is a geologically active region surrounding the Pacific Ocean and the continents that border its waters. It is characterized by a high frequency of earthquakes and volcanic activity. It extends approximately 40,000 kilometers, including subduction zones where tectonic plates collide (such as the Nazca plate), generating frequent volcanoes and earthquakes.
- WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE?
- An earthquake is a sudden rupture of rocks inside the Earth. This sudden release of energy propagates in the form of waves that cause ground movement.
- WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A TSUNAMI?
- If you receive official tsunami alert or alarm information or see the sea receding, evacuate to higher areas. Move to a flood-free zone and head to the nearest meeting point. If you cannot reach a high area, go to an upper floor or the roof of a solid building.
- CHECK AND WRITE DOWN THE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE NUMBER.
- Earthquake in Los Santos – Santander, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.7
- Depth: 138 km
- Local time: 2026-08-22 14:41
- Latitude: 6.76°
- Longitude: -73.11°
- Earthquake in Los Santos – Santander, Colombia
- Magnitude: 3.3
- Depth: 145 km
- Local time: 2026-08-22 14:23
- Latitude: 6.78°
- Longitude: -73.15°
- Earthquake in Los Santos – Santander, Colombia
- Magnitude: 3.0
- Depth: 140 km
- Local time: 2026-08-22 14:16
- Latitude: 6.76°
- Longitude: -73.14°
- Earthquake in Los Santos – Santander, Colombia
- Magnitude: 3.1
- Depth: 144 km
- Local time: 2026-08-22 14:13
- Latitude: 6.76°
- Longitude: -73.13°
- Earthquake in Los Santos – Santander, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.9
- Depth: 140 km
- Local time: 2026-08-22 14:10
- Latitude: 6.77°
- Longitude: -73.13°
- Earthquake in Istmina – Chocó, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.8
- Depth: 77 km
- Local time: 2026-08-22 13:33
- Latitude: 4.42°
- Longitude: -76.74°
- Earthquake in Frontino – Antioquia, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.4
- Depth: Shallow
- Local time: 2026-08-22 12:52
- Latitude: 6.80°
- Longitude: -76.28°
- Earthquake in El Litoral del San Juán (Docordó) – Chocó, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.3
- Depth: 35 km
- Local time: 2026-08-22 12:44
- Latitude: 4.37°
- Longitude: -76.75°
- Earthquake in Istmina – Chocó, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.8
- Depth: 31 km
- Local time: 2026-08-22 11:22
- Latitude: 4.45°
- Longitude: -76.73°
- WHAT SHOULD MY EMERGENCY BACKPACK CONTAIN?
- • Essential hygiene items
- • First aid kit (bandages, gauze, alcohol, pills, hydrogen peroxide, etc.)
- • Warm clothing
- • Non-perishable food (tuna cans, cereal bars, chocolates, nuts, etc.) and money
- • Communication items
- • Specific items for babies and infants, feminine use, elderly, and other basic needs.
- CHECK WHAT A HOME EMERGENCY BACKPACK SHOULD CONTAIN.
- Earthquake in San Martin de Loba – Bolívar, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.3
- Depth: 74 km
- Local time: 2026-08-22 09:02
- Latitude: 8.75°
- Longitude: -73.95°
- WHY ARE THERE SO MANY EARTHQUAKES IN COLOMBIA?
- Colombia is located in the northwestern corner of South America, where the South American, Nazca, and Caribbean tectonic plates converge; a characteristic that explains the high level of seismicity in the country.
- EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS – COLOMBIA
- • Emergency line: 123
- (It is the unique national emergency line, which allows Colombians to access all emergency and security services offered by the State with a single number)
- • National Police: 112
- • Traffic Police: 127
- • Civil Defense: 144
- • Firefighters: 119
- • Red Cross: 132
- • Ambulance Service: 125
- • Gaula – Anti-kidnapping: 165
- • Disaster Attention: 111
- CAN EARTHQUAKES BE PREDICTED?
- So far, there is no reliable technique anywhere in the world for earthquake forecasting, and we are still far from achieving it.
- However, although earthquakes cannot be predicted in time, they can be predicted in space, that is, in certain areas it can be said that an earthquake will occur, but when it will happen is unknown.
- HOW MANY EARTHQUAKES OCCUR PER MONTH ON AVERAGE IN COLOMBIA?
There are 2,500 earthquakes per month, but most are not of significant magnitude or intensity.
Recent earthquakes reported by the SGC.
- Earthquake in Guaca – Santander
- Date and Local Time: 2026-08-21 21:30
- Magnitude: 2.6
- Depth: 155 km
- Latitude: 6.84
- Longitude: -72.87
- WHERE IN COLOMBIA DO MOST EARTHQUAKES OCCUR?
The most seismically active places in the country are the coasts and around our mountain ranges.
- Earthquake in El Litoral del San Juán
- Date and Local Time: 2026-08-21 20:01
- Magnitude: 2.5
- Depth: shallow
- Latitude: 4.39
- Longitude: -76.89
- Earthquake in El Litoral del San Juán
- Date and Local Time: 2026-08-21 19:45
- Magnitude: 2.5
- Depth: 82 km
- Latitude: 4.34
- Longitude: -76.83
- Earthquake in Istmina – Chocó
- Date and Local Time: 2026-08-21 18:56
- Magnitude: 2.6
- Depth: 43 km
- Latitude: 4.41
- Longitude: -76.72
- WHY ARE THERE SO MANY EARTHQUAKES IN COLOMBIA?
Colombia is located in the northwestern corner of South America, where the South American, Nazca, and Caribbean tectonic plates converge; a characteristic that explains the high level of seismicity in the country.
- Earthquake in Piedecuesta – Santander
- Date and Local Time: 2026-08-21 17:42
- Magnitude: 2.5
- Depth: 147 km
- Latitude: 6.91
- Longitude: -73.05
- Earthquake in Istmina – Chocó
- Date and Local Time: 2026-08-21 17:14
- Magnitude: 2.7
- Depth: 43 km
- Latitude: 4.42
- Longitude: -76.69
- WHAT IS A SEISMIC SWARM?
- A seismic swarm is a group of earthquakes that occur in the same area during a short period of time. Unlike a single strong earthquake, seismic swarms usually consist of numerous minor tremors. Often, there is no main earthquake triggering the swarm, but the seismic events occur more or less continuously and are related to tectonic processes.
- HOW TO ACT DURING AN EARTHQUAKE?
- • Go to the already established safety zones.
- • Stay away from glass or objects that could fall.
- • If possible, avoid panic and try to stay calm.
- • Do not run in vehicle passage areas.
- • If you are driving, stop your vehicle.
- • If you are in a building, do not use the elevator, always use the stairs.
- • Be attentive to minors, disabled people, and the elderly.
- HOW IS A TREMOR DIFFERENT FROM AN EARTHQUAKE?
- The terms “tremor” and “earthquake” are often used interchangeably, but in general, the difference lies in their magnitude, perceived intensity, and reach.
- • Tremor: Refers to seismic movements of lesser intensity. Usually, it is used to describe low magnitude earth tremors that do not cause significant damage to structures or people. They are perceptible, but their impact is mild.
- • Earthquake: Refers to a seismic event of greater magnitude. Earthquakes are significant seismic tremors that can cause severe damage to buildings, infrastructure, and, in the most severe cases, cause personal injuries and even loss of life. They have considerable magnitude and are often accompanied by aftershocks.
- Earthquake in Pauna – Boyacá, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.3
- Depth: 124 km
- Local time: 2026-08-21 15:11
- Latitude: 5.67°
- Longitude: -74.00°
- Earthquake in Istmina – Chocó, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.6
- Depth: Shallow
- Local time: 2026-08-21 14:52
- Latitude: 4.69°
- Longitude: -77.04°
- Earthquake in Istmina – Chocó, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.6
- Depth: Shallow
- Local time: 2026-08-21 14:36
- Latitude: 4.49°
- Longitude: -76.75°
- WHY SHOULD YOU NEVER USE AN ELEVATOR DURING AN EARTHQUAKE?
- Experts recommend never using the elevator during an earthquake, as it could detach from its structure and fall from a great height with people inside.
- WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE?
- An earthquake is a sudden rupture of rocks inside the Earth. This sudden release of energy propagates in the form of waves that cause ground movement.
- WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A TSUNAMI?
- If you receive official tsunami alert or alarm information or see the sea receding, evacuate to higher areas. Move to a flood-free zone and head to the nearest meeting point. If you cannot reach a high area, go to an upper floor or the roof of a solid building.
- CHECK AND WRITE DOWN THE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE NUMBER.
- WHAT SHOULD MY EMERGENCY BACKPACK CONTAIN?
- • Essential hygiene items
- • First aid kit (bandages, gauze, alcohol, pills, hydrogen peroxide, etc.)
- • Warm clothing
- • Non-perishable food (tuna cans, cereal bars, chocolates, nuts, etc.) and money
- • Communication items
- • Specific items for babies and infants, feminine use, elderly, and other basic needs.
- Earthquake in San Juan del Cesar – La Guajira, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.2
- Depth: 82 km
- Local time: 2026-08-21 12:09
- Latitude: 10.68°
- Longitude: -73.11°
- Earthquake in Zapatoca – Santander, Colombia
- Magnitude: 2.3
- Depth: 142 km
- Local time: 2026-08-21 10:28
- Latitude: 6.88°
- Longitude: -73.18°
- CHECK WHAT A HOME EMERGENCY BACKPACK SHOULD CONTAIN.
- WHY ARE THERE SO MANY EARTHQUAKES IN COLOMBIA?
- Colombia is located in the northwestern corner of South America, where the South American, Nazca, and Caribbean tectonic plates converge; a characteristic that explains the high level of seismicity in the country.
- EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS – COLOMBIA
- • Emergency line: 123
- (It is the unique national emergency line, which allows Colombians to access all emergency and security services offered by the State with a single number)
- • National Police: 112
- • Traffic Police: 127
- • Civil Defense: 144
- • Firefighters: 119
- • Red Cross: 132
- • Ambulance Service: 125
- • Gaula – Anti-kidnapping: 165
- • Disaster Attention: 111
- CAN EARTHQUAKES BE PREDICTED?
- So far, there is no reliable technique anywhere in the world for earthquake forecasting, and we are still far from achieving it.
- However, although earthquakes cannot be predicted in time, they can be predicted in space, that is, in certain areas it can be said that an earthquake will occur, but when it will happen is unknown.
Earthquake in El Litoral del San Juán (Docordó) – Chocó, Colombia
Magnitude: 3.1
Depth: 42 km
Local time: 2026-08-21 07:34:18
UTC time: 2026-08-21 12:34:18
Latitude: 4.38°
Longitude: -76.76°
Earthquake in Sipí – Chocó, Colombia
Magnitude: 2.4
Depth: 34 km
Local time: 2026-08-21 07:02:07
UTC time: 2026-08-21 12:02:07
Latitude: 4.58°
Longitude: -76.63°
Earthquake in Sipí – Chocó, Colombia
Magnitude: 3.7
Depth: 43 km
Local time: 2026-08-21 06:59:45
UTC time: 2026-08-21 11:59:45
Latitude: 4.56°
Longitude: -76.68°
Earthquake in Istmina – Chocó, Colombia
Magnitude: 2.9
Depth: 43 km
Local time: 2026-08-21 06:10:10
UTC time: 2026-08-21 11:10:10
Latitude: 4.42°
Longitude: -76.77°
Earthquake in Istmina – Chocó, Colombia
Magnitude: 3.3
Depth: 41 km
Local time: 2026-08-21 05:46:55
UTC time: 2026-08-21 10:46:55
Latitude: 4.43°
Longitude: -76.77°
What to do before an earthquake
• Have your emergency backpack ready.
• Identify safe zones at home, work, and on the street.
• Participate in drills.
What to do during an earthquake
• Stay calm.
• Protect yourself under a sturdy table or in the life triangle.
• Stay away from windows and objects that may fall.
What to do after an earthquake
• Assess damage and check for injured people.
• Use text messages to communicate and avoid overloading phone lines.
• Stay away from damaged buildings and follow authorities’ instructions.
- CHECK WHAT A HOME EMERGENCY BACKPACK SHOULD CONTAIN.
- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EARTHQUAKE, TREMOR, SEISM, AND TELURIC MOVEMENT?
Actually, the four terms are synonyms, but in Latin America special emphasis has been given to the term earthquake to refer to destructive earthquakes or those that have caused victims.
- HOW MANY SEISMOGRAPHS ARE THERE?
- NATIONAL SEISMIC NETWORK OF COLOMBIA-RSNC
- The SGC has a total of 339 seismic stations, located throughout the Colombian territory and in specific areas such as active volcanoes. 206 seismic stations are located covering the entire territory corresponding to the National Seismic Network.
- There are 133 seismic stations installed on the active Colombian volcanoes that are permanently monitored in three volcanological and seismological observatories.
- WHAT IS THE COLOMBIAN GEOLOGICAL SERVICE?
- The SGC is a century-old science and technology entity attached to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, whose objective is to contribute to the country’s economic and social development through research in basic and applied geosciences of the subsurface, the potential of its resources, the evaluation and monitoring of geological hazards, the comprehensive management of geoscientific knowledge, research and nuclear and radioactive control, attending to the priorities of the National Government’s policies.
What was the magnitude and where was the last tremor? See here the reports from the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) about the latest earthquakes in the country.
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