"A strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake shook Venezuela and was felt in a large part of Colombia"

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Contents

A seismic event with an estimated magnitude of 7.5 shook the border region between Venezuela and Colombia on the afternoon of June 24, 2026, triggering alerts in several Colombian cities, including Bogota.

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The telluric phenomenon was initially reported by various media outlets, while the official Asismet account on X reported a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, recorded at 6:04 p.m. local time (in Venezuela) off the coast of Yaracuy state, Venezuela, at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to information from the GFZ.

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The Colombian Geological Service confirmed the occurrence of the earthquake through an updated bulletin, specifying: “International Seismic Event – Updated Bulletin 1, 2026-06-24, 5:04 p.m., Colombian time. Magnitude 7.0, depth 0 km, Near Coast of Venezuela”.

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The earthquake, located 156.8 kilometers away in Venezuelan territory, was felt strongly in several departments of eastern Colombia and produced perceptible movements in the capital and other areas of the center of the country. The Colombian Geological Service validated the occurrence of a strong earthquake off the coast of Venezuela – SGC/

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For its part, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd) reported that, according to the General Maritime Directorate (Dimar), there is no tsunami threat to the Caribbean coast of Colombia following the earthquake recorded off the coast of Venezuela.

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According to the authorities, a seismic event of this magnitude can occur at any time, which is why they reiterated the importance of being prepared and acting correctly during the emergency. Risk management agencies called for calm and for following established safety protocols to prevent major damage and protect the lives of those affected.

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What to do during and after an earthquake: official recommendations

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The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd) and the Bogota Red Cross explained that an earthquake is the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, which is transmitted in the form of waves that can be perceived by people, animals, and structures. An event of this nature, the entity emphasizes, can trigger additional risk situations such as landslides, floods, fires, and accidents resulting from collective panic.

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Authorities warned that an earthquake of this magnitude can occur at any time and asked to follow safety protocols – credit Bogota Red Cross

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In the event of an earthquake, it is essential to remain calm and take proper shelter. If you are in an earthquake-resistant building, the recommendation is to drop, cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall, and protect your head and neck.

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It is not advisable to stand under door frames or near large windows, shelves, lamps or objects that may fall. It is important not to use elevators and, if you are outdoors, head to an open space, away from buildings, poles, and trees.

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For those who are outside of secure structures, the instruction is to evacuate as quickly as possible following the family or institutional emergency plan. In vehicles, you should reduce speed and park in a safe place, avoiding tunnels, bridges, and elevated structures. If the earthquake occurs in a public place, it is a priority to protect your head and follow the instructions of emergency responders or authorities.

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Preparation and prevention for future earthquakes

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The Ungrd recommends that families check the stability of their homes and carry out preventive maintenance actions, secure objects that could fall, and have an evacuation plan known to all members.

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It is key to identify safe meeting points, keep family contact information updated, and have an emergency kit on hand with basic items such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a whistle, a first aid kit, a change of clothes, and important documents.

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During and after the earthquake, the health status of the people present must be checked, those who require it must be helped, and assistance from emergency services should be awaited if the emergency warrants it. It was recommended to inspect the home for structural damage and to leave the premises if there is a risk of collapse.

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Communication with authorities and official information are essential for receiving instructions on the safe return to homes or the need to move to temporary shelters. During an earthquake in an earthquake-resistant building, the official recommendation is to drop, cover, and protect your head and neck – credit Rolex Dela Pena/EFE

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Practical guide on how to act during an earthquake according to the authorities

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Authorities and experts highlight that the capacity for reaction and prior preparation are decisive in reducing risk during a seismic event. Immediate actions include:

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Locate yourself in safe internal areas, away from windows and objects that may fall.
Protect your head and neck, adopting the fetal position if possible.
Do not block exits or evacuation routes.
Avoid using elevators and seek shelter in open spaces if you are outdoors.
Stay calm, follow the instructions of emergency responders, and do not return to the dwelling until authorized by the authorities.

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