Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits Colombia, damaging homes and structures
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit central Colombia at 13:08 UTC (08:08 local time) on June 8, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Epicenter of M6.3 earthquake in central Colombia on June 8, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 17 km (11 miles) NNE of Paratebueno (population 2 027), 45 km (29 miles) NE of Cumaral (population 11 263), 50 km (31 miles) SW of Monterrey (population 14 828), and 68 km (42 miles) NE of Villavicencio (population 321 717), Colombia.
9 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 63 000 strong, and 2 239 000 moderate.
The USGS issued a Yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. Some casualties and damage are possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Past yellow alerts have required a local or regional level response.
Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of the GDP of Colombia.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud walls with wood and unknown/miscellaneous types of construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Multiple homes and structures sustained damage in the epicentral region near Paratebueno and Villavicencio. At least four people were reported injured.
Collapsed houses and damaged buildings were especially common among those not constructed to seismic-resistant standards. Damage was also reported along the road network between Villavicencio and Yopal, with authorities warning of possible subsidence and cracks disrupting traffic.
The earthquake produced strong shaking in Bogotá, prompting building evacuations as sirens sounded and residents gathered in streets and open areas. Witnesses described people calming frightened children, searching for pets, and some evacuating in pajamas. Shaking was reported at distances up to 393 km (244 miles) in Cali and 330 km (205 miles) in Medellín.
Bogotá’s mayor activated emergency agencies to assess impacts and urged residents to submit damage reports.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombia advised caution regarding falling debris, unstable structures, and possible aftershocks, recommending residents shelter under sturdy furniture during strong tremors and remain alert to local news updates.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References
1 M6.3 earthquake central Colombia – USGS – June 7, 2025
2 M6.3 earthquake central Colombia – EMSC – June 7, 2025
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.