Magnitude 4.2 Earthquake in Colombia Felt Across Several Cities

A magnitude 4.2 earthquake centered in Los Santos, Santander, and was felt in several Colombian cities, according to the Colombian Geological Service. The tremor occurred at about noon on Sept. 1, 2026, at a depth of 146 kilometers.

The service recorded the epicenter at latitude 6.80 and longitude -73.12. Its citizen-reporting tool indicated that people felt the movement in parts of the country. Social media users described the shaking as brief but noticeable, including in Bogotá, Bucaramanga and Piedecuesta. Others reported feeling it in Medellín, Manizales and Ocaña.

One user described a strong movement lasting about two seconds. Others in Bogotá reported light shaking, including from a stationary car and on upper floors of buildings. Residents in Piedecuesta also reported feeling the tremor from sixth- and 12th-floor apartments.

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Yes, it was a strong movement, but it lasted only briefly, about two seconds.

The report also explains how users in Colombia can activate Google’s earthquake alerts. On a phone, they can open Settings, select “Safety and emergency,” then “Earthquake alerts.” If that option does not appear, they can go through Location and Advanced settings. Google uses the ShakeAlert system and data from 1,675 seismic sensors to determine an earthquake’s location and magnitude.

Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management recommends that families prepare an emergency plan, identify safe places and evacuation routes, and keep water, a flashlight, a radio, nonperishable food and identification documents in an emergency kit. During an earthquake, people should remain calm, shelter in structurally safe areas such as beneath a desk or near a column, and avoid doors, windows and objects that could fall.

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Strong in Bogotá.