Colombia experienced a moderate earthquake early Tuesday, June 4, 2024, near the Caribbean coast, according to the Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC). The tremor, registered at a preliminary magnitude of **4.2**, occurred **52 kilometers northwest of Turbo, Antioquia**, at a depth of approximately **10 kilometers**, the SGC confirmed in its latest seismic report. While no significant damage or casualties have been reported, residents in the region—particularly in Antioquia, Córdoba, and northern Bolívar—felt the shaking, prompting authorities to urge caution.

The earthquake follows a series of smaller tremors in Colombia over the past 48 hours, including a **3.8-magnitude quake** on June 3 near the Urabá region, an area known for its seismic activity due to the interaction of the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. Experts emphasize that Colombia’s location along the Ring of Fire makes it prone to frequent seismic events, though most remain minor.

Key verified details:

• Magnitude: 4.2 (preliminary, per SGC. USGS data pending final review)
• Epicenter: 52 km northwest of Turbo, Antioquia (coordinates: ~7.35°N, 76.75°W)
• Depth: ~10 km (shallow, increasing perceived intensity)
• Time: 00:06 AM (local time), June 4, 2024
• Reported effects: Felt strongly in Turbo, Necoclí, and nearby coastal towns; no immediate reports of infrastructure damage or injuries (as of 8:00 AM local time).

The SGC’s latest seismic bulletin notes that the tremor occurred along the Romero Fault Zone, a known seismic hotspot. Geologists classify this as a moderate event, with low risk of triggering aftershocks strong enough to cause damage. However, the Colombian Civil Defense Agency (DNC) has advised residents to stay vigilant and avoid rushing to evacuate unless official alerts are issued.

The following map from the SGC shows the epicenter of the June 4 tremor in relation to Colombia’s seismic monitoring network:

Source: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC)

For real-time updates, the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program provides global seismic data, including Colombia’s activity:

@USGS has logged the June 4 Colombia earthquake (preliminary mag 4.2) in its event catalog. Click to view details.

Why Is Colombia Prone to Earthquakes?

Colombia’s seismic activity stems from its complex tectonic setting. The country sits atop the convergence of the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate, where the Caribbean Plate is being subducted beneath the South American Plate at a rate of about **2 cm per year**. This process generates frequent earthquakes, particularly along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

Historically, Colombia has experienced stronger quakes, such as the 1983 Popayán earthquake (magnitude 5.5) and the 1999 Mocoa earthquake (magnitude 6.2), which caused significant damage. However, most tremors—like the June 4 event—remain below magnitude 5.0, with minimal impact. The SGC’s seismic risk assessment categorizes Antioquia and Córdoba as moderate-risk zones, meaning infrastructure is generally resilient but vigilance is key.

Recent Seismic Activity in Colombia: A Timeline

Source: Compiled from SGC and USGS data.

What to Do During an Earthquake: Safety Guidelines

The Colombian Civil Defense Agency (DNC) recommends the following steps during a tremor:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If indoors, take cover under a sturdy table or desk and hold on until shaking stops.
• Avoid Windows: Stay away from glass doors, windows, and external walls.
• Outdoors? Move to an open area, away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
• Aftershocks: Be prepared for smaller tremors following the main quake.

For real-time alerts, residents can download the Colombia Segura app, which provides official emergency notifications.

Expert Perspective: Assessing the Risk

Dr. María Elena Moreno, a seismologist at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, explains that while the June 4 tremor was moderate, its shallow depth (<10 km) amplified its perceived intensity. “Shallow earthquakes like this one are more likely to be felt strongly at the surface,” she notes. “However, the lack of significant damage suggests the region’s infrastructure is holding up well.”

Moreno adds that Colombia’s seismic monitoring infrastructure has improved in recent years, thanks to partnerships with the USGS and IRENA. “We now have better early warning systems, but public preparedness remains critical,” she says.

What’s Next? Monitoring and Preparedness

The SGC and DNC will continue to monitor the region for aftershocks and provide updates via their official channels. Residents are advised to:

• Check for official alerts via SGC or Colombia Segura.
• Prepare an emergency kit with water, food, and first-aid supplies.
• Review family earthquake plans, including evacuation routes.

The next official seismic review by the SGC is scheduled for **June 5, 2024**, where additional data on aftershocks and geological impacts will be released. In the meantime, the USGS will finalize its assessment of the June 4 event, which may adjust the magnitude slightly.

For further reading, explore our coverage of global seismic activity or learn about Colombia’s disaster preparedness initiatives. Have you experienced this tremor? Share your story in the comments below or tag us on Twitter.