Chaparral declares orange alert amid seismic swarm in Tolima

Authorities in Chaparral, Tolima, have declared an orange alert following a persistent seismic swarm in central Colombia. The Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) has classified the activity as a seismic swarm, meaning there is no single mainshock, but rather a sequence of multiple tremors.

A magnitude 4.5 tremor struck near Chaparral at 3:09 p.m. local time on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. This was the strongest of at least ten tremors recorded in the area on that day alone. The tremors have been felt in Bogotá, Pereira, and Armenia. Reports indicate that 439 earthquakes have been recorded in the Tolima department, with 423 concentrated in Chaparral.

Chaparral Mayor Hélver González stated that the alert aims to strengthen prevention campaigns and prepare the community. Emergency measures include identifying evacuation routes, meeting points, and potential shelters. While schools in Chaparral and Roncesvalles previously suspended classes as a precaution, no injuries or structural damage have been reported thus far.