Magnitude 3.7 earthquake reported in Colombia’s Chocó, with shaking felt in Cali and other cities

A magnitude 3.7 earthquake struck Colombia’s Chocó department on the afternoon of September 3, according to the Colombian Geological Service.

The service said the quake occurred at about 6:32 p.m., with its epicenter in the municipality of Istmina. It reached a depth of 42 kilometers and was located 21 kilometers from the municipality of Sipí.

After the service posted the information on X, social media users said they had felt the movement in several municipalities and cities. Reports mentioned Cali, Medellín, Quindío and Bogotá. Some residents in Cali described the shaking as strong, while others reported feeling it in Montenegro, Buenaventura, San José del Palmar and Pereira.

The Colombian Geological Service asked people who felt the earthquake to submit reports through its Sismo Sentido form. Guidance from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management recommends that families prepare evacuation routes, identify safe places and keep an emergency kit containing water, a flashlight, a radio, nonperishable food and identification documents.

During shaking, residents are advised to stay calm and shelter in structurally safe places, such as beneath a desk or near a column, while avoiding doors, windows and objects that could fall. Afterward, people should avoid elevators, running and pushing, keep away from dangerous objects, and check for structural damage before returning to buildings.