Earthquake today in Colombia: Strong tremor reported this morning; epicenter, magnitude, and depth
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A strong earthquake measuring 4.6 magnitude occurred in Colombia on April 18, 2026, at 5:24 a.m.
- The epicenter was located in Los Santos, Santander department, at a depth of 147 kilometers.
- The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) reported the tremor and encouraged citizens to report their experiences through the 'Sismo Sentido' form.
This report from El Tiempo, a leading Colombian newspaper, details a significant seismic event that occurred in the country. The article provides precise details about the earthquake โ its magnitude, time, epicenter, and depth โ directly from the Colombian Geological Service (SGC). For Colombians, particularly those in the Santander region, earthquakes are a known hazard, and timely, accurate information from official sources like the SGC is crucial for safety and awareness.
The inclusion of instructions on how citizens can report feeling the tremor via the 'Sismo Sentido' form highlights the collaborative approach to seismic monitoring in Colombia. This emphasizes the SGC's commitment to engaging the public in data collection, which is vital for understanding seismic activity across the nation. Furthermore, the article includes information on how to activate Google's earthquake alerts on Android phones, demonstrating a proactive effort to integrate modern technology with public safety advisories.
The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) reported a strong tremor of magnitude 4.6 this Saturday morning, April 18.
From a Colombian perspective, this is not just a news report but a public service announcement. It reassures citizens that monitoring systems are in place and that their own experiences contribute to a larger understanding of the country's geological activity. El Tiempo, in this context, acts as a vital conduit, disseminating essential information that empowers individuals and reinforces the importance of preparedness in a seismically active region. The tone is informative and reassuring, focusing on official data and practical advice.
According to the information disseminated by the SGC, the tremor occurred around 5:24 a.m. and its epicenter was in the municipality of Los Santos.
Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.