Colombia has declared a state of emergency in Santander and Cundinamarca, including the capital Bogota, as dozens of forest fires consume about 600 ha (1 483 acres) of land, fueled by record temperatures linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon.
A strong earthquake registered by the SGC as M5.6 hit Cartago, Colombia’s Valle del Cauca Department at 11:26 UTC (06:26 local time) on January 19, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 52 km (32 miles). USGS and EMSC are reporting M5.6 at a depth of 61 km (38 miles).
18 people have been confirmed dead, with 30 injured in Carmen de Atrato, Colombia, after heavy rainfall triggered at least four landslides on the Medellin-Quibido road on Friday, January 12, 2024. The most devastating landslide resulted in thousands of cubic meters of earth collapsing onto a house and vehicles.
A notable increase in seismic activity associated with rock fracturing started at Colombia’s Nevado del Ruiz volcano on January 3, 2024. The alert status remains at Yellow, indicating unstable behavior and potential for quick escalation. This volcano is known for producing the deadliest lahar in history.
On October 25, 2023, Colombia’s Puracé Volcano experienced a noticeable increase in seismic activity, with earthquakes reaching a maximum magnitude of 1.0. Located between 1 and 4 km (0.6 – 2.5 miles) in depth, these quakes coincided with higher degassing levels and persistent high CO2 values.
At 00:38 local time on October 21, 2023, Colombia’s Nevado del Huila volcano experienced a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 at a depth of 1 km (0.6 miles) below its Central Peak. From then until 08:00 local time, a total of 320 earthquakes were recorded, associated with rock fracturing inside the volcano.
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit central Colombia at 17:04 UTC (12:04 LT) on August 17, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
A devastating mudflow struck Quetame, Colombia, late on July 17, 2023, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and leaving 9 individuals missing. The disaster, precipitated by intense rainfall, also led to significant property damage, including the destruction of several homes and a key trade route.
After 89 days of Orange alert due to increased seismic activity, Colombia’s geological service lowered the Nevado del Ruiz volcano’s alert level to Yellow on June 27, 2023. The de-escalation follows a period of decreased instability, paving the way for the potential easing of preventative measures.
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.6 hit the Panama-Colombia border region at 03:05 UTC on May 25, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.6 at a depth of 40 km (25 miles).
