Karmactive Staff
A strong earthquake hit central Colombia on Sunday morning, sending thousands of Bogota residents rushing onto streets as buildings trembled and emergency sirens wailed across the capital.
The earthquake struck at 8:08 a.m. local time on June 8, 2025. The United States Geological Survey measured it at 6.3 magnitude, while the German Research Centre for Geosciences recorded 6.5, and Colombia’s own Geological Service detected several aftershocks between 4.0 and 4.6 magnitude minutes after the main quake.
“This was very strong,” said an elderly woman in Bogota, clutching her handbag as she stood among crowds of people who had evacuated buildings for safety.
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The earthquake’s epicenter was identified near Paratebueno, a small municipality located about 116 miles southeast of Bogota. Notably, the tremor occurred at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) below Earth’s surface.
“Shallow earthquakes typically produce more intense shaking at ground level because the energy doesn’t have far to travel,” explained the Colombian Geological Service in their initial assessment. “The shallowness explains why the tremor was felt so strongly across multiple cities despite its moderate magnitude.”
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management quickly mobilized assessment teams across several municipalities. “We are conducting thorough evaluations in affected regions to ensure public safety,” the agency stated on social media platform X. Emergency workers in Bogota performed systematic building inspections throughout the day.
Social media platforms filled with videos showing the quake’s effects – swinging light fixtures, vibrating furniture, and the visible concern on faces of residents gathered in streets and open spaces.
Despite the intensity of the shaking, initial reports showed no casualties or major structural damage. Emergency officials continued evaluations into the evening, paying special attention to older buildings that might have sustained cracks or other minor damage not immediately visible.
Colombia’s position within the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes earthquakes a recurring reality for its citizens. This geological feature – a horseshoe-shaped belt circling the Pacific Ocean – is responsible for approximately 90% of the world’s earthquakes. Colombians well remember the devastating 1999 earthquake near Ansermanuevo that killed nearly 1,200 people and caused widespread destruction.
Bogota’s security department confirmed that their priority remains ensuring all buildings are structurally sound before allowing normal activities to resume. “Public safety is our primary concern,” a department spokesperson said. “Our teams will remain vigilant for any delayed impacts or additional tremors.”
The Colombian government maintains strict building codes designed to withstand seismic activity, a necessary precaution in a country where earthquakes are common. Sunday’s event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of these safety measures and emergency preparedness protocols for the nation’s 50 million residents.
