Devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake strikes Colombia, causing widespread damage and panic.

Chaos unfolded in the city's heart, as structures shook, alarms blared, and crowds poured out onto the streets.

, and ASMedia

2025 June 11 . 6:09 AM

2 min read

Chaos erupted in the capital as structures shook, alarm sirens blared, and an anxious crowd surged... — Chaos erupted in the capital as structures shook, alarm sirens blared, and an anxious crowd surged onto the streets.

Devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake strikes Colombia, causing widespread damage and panic.

In a surprising turn of events, the city of Bogota witnessed a powerful earthquake on Sunday, sending buildings trembling and sirens wailing across the capital. The earthquake, measured at 6.3 magnitude by the AFP and 6.5 by the Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC), struck near the city of Paratebueno, approximately 170 kilometers or 105 miles east of Bogota, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The shallow quake caused an immediate panic, with people rushing out into the streets. Social media was quickly flooded with videos of swinging lights and furniture, though these images could not be immediately verified by AFP. Adrenaline-pumped citizens gathered in parks and outside buildings, some in their pajamas, trying to calm their frightened kids and look for pets that may have run away.

An elderly lady in Bogota described the event as "very strong" as she navigated several flights of steps. Central Colombia, known for its high seismic activity, has previously been hit by a significant earthquake. In 1999, a 6.2 magnitude quake in the same region, not far from Ansermanuevo, claimed nearly 1,200 lives.

Central Colombia remains a seismically active region, and the consequences of such powerful quakes can be far-reaching. So far, authorities have reported injuries but no immediate casualties. Four people were reported injured, with two in Paratebueno and two in Medina, all with minor injuries. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management is assessing the situation in several municipalities.

Damage was reported to walls and facades of homes and churches, including the main church in Medina, as well as some damage to bridges. A national highway in the area was also affected. Despite the significant tremor, the situation seems to be under control by authorities.

In times like these, it's crucial to prioritize safety and be prepared. If you're in an affected area, seek out safe zones and stay informed. Keep calm and follow the guidance of local authorities for the best outcome.

[1] Earthquake News - Colombia Earthquake 2025 (https://news.earthquake.net/colombia-earthquake-2025/)

[2] Bogota Earthquake: Injuries Reported but No Casualties (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/10/bogota-earthquake-injuries-reported-but-no-casualties)

[3] Colombia Earthquake: As It Happened (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/colombia-earthquake-as-it-happened/)

Despite the ongoing chaos, individuals in Colombia are advised to stay updated on the latest weather conditions, as aftershocks could potentially follow.
After the earthquake, news outlets hurriedly turned their attention to weather reports, hoping to determine if the seismic activity was associated with changes in atmospheric pressure or any other unusual weather patterns.