Colombia: a 5.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Bogotá and several cities

Thursday 27 August 2026 - 08:30

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake was felt on Wednesday in Bogotá and several regions of Colombia, reviving concerns among a population still deeply affected by the violent earthquake that occurred at the beginning of August.

According to initial reports, no casualties have been reported following this new tremor. However, the phenomenon caused scenes of panic in several cities, where residents rushed to leave their buildings after the alert sirens were triggered.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located near Los Santos, in the Santander department, in northeastern Colombia. The tremor occurred at a depth of 149 kilometers, in an area known for its significant seismic activity.

In Bogotá, as well as in Bucaramanga, which is closer to the affected area, many residents evacuated buildings as a precaution. This new alert comes at a particularly sensitive time for the country.

The memory of the 7.4 magnitude earthquake on August 10 is still very present. Considered one of the most powerful recorded in Colombia since the beginning of the century, it caused the deaths of over 330 people and significant material damage.

Cities like Cali and Pereira particularly suffered heavy consequences, with the collapse of thousands of buildings and the displacement of many families. Since then, authorities have been engaged in a large-scale relief, resettlement, and reconstruction operation.

The government of President Abelardo de la Espriella estimates the cost of reconstructing the affected areas at approximately $9.57 billion. As the country continues to recover from this major disaster, the new earthquake felt on Wednesday serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of several Colombian regions to natural risks.