6 Temmuz Earthquakes in Kolombiya: Current Seismic Activity Report from SGC

The Kolombiya Geological Survey (SGC) reported a series of seismic movements that occurred across the country on 6 Temmuz. The vast majority of these earthquakes recorded in different parts of the country were of low magnitude, and no damage or casualties have been reported. The SGC operates a total of 339 seismic stations to continuously monitor the country's seismic activity. While 206 of these stations cover the entire territory of Kolombiya under the National Seismic Network, 133 stations are affiliated with three volcanological and seismological observatories where active volcanoes are continuously monitored. Authorities remind citizens that the seismic network is active at all times and that such small-scale tremors are routinely experienced due to the course of natural processes.

One of the most notable tremors recorded during the day was the earthquake that occurred in the Los Santos - Santander region. This seismic event, measured with a magnitude of 2.0, was recorded at 18:14 local time and occurred at a depth of approximately 136 kilometers. Similarly, another earthquake with a magnitude of 2.0 and a depth very close to the surface (shallower than 30 kilometers) was detected in the Pasifik Okyanusu at 17:57 local time. The mentioned magnitude values indicate that these events were felt very weakly or not at all by people. The SGC contributes to a better understanding of the tectonic activity in the region by collecting this data.

Small-scale tremors continued at various points across the country during the later and early morning hours of the day. An earthquake with a magnitude of 2.4 and a surface depth was recorded at the Panama-Kolombiya border at 14:34 local time. In San Juan de Urabá in the Antioquia region, another seismic movement with a magnitude of 2.4 and a depth of 42 kilometers was measured at 11:37. In addition to these, another earthquake with a depth of 34 kilometers and a magnitude of 2.7 occurred in the Quibdó - Chocó region at 11:18 in the morning. All these data confirm that Kolombiya has a highly active geological structure.

The main cause of the intense seismic activity occurring on Kolombiya's Pasifik coast is the tectonic plate movements in the region. According to statements from the relevant institutions, in this region, the Nazca Plakası is subducting (surfacing/sliding process) beneath the Güney Amerika Plakası, and this process releases a massive amount of energy. This immense energy released occasionally turns into earthquakes and intense volcanic activity. This geological reality makes certain regions of Kolombiya one of the most active seismic belts in the world. Therefore, authorities emphasize that seismic monitoring networks and volcanological research are of vital importance in the country.

The seismic hazard maps shared by the Kolombiya Geological Survey clearly reveal the risk distribution across the country. Accordingly, the regions with the highest earthquake risk are primarily the Pasifik region, the Kahve Ekseni (Eje Cafetero), and certain parts of the Doğu Sıradağları (Cordillera Oriental). Major cities such as Cali, Pasto, Popayán, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Bucaramanga, and Cúcuta, as well as various areas of the Chocó, Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Nariño, Santander, and Norte de Santander departments, are among these risky sections. The SGC meticulously analyzes variables such as epicenter, depth, and magnitude after each seismic event to help take the necessary measures to ensure public safety. Furthermore, citizens are encouraged to report the tremors they feel through the 'Sismos Sentidos' platform.