Updated August 13, 2026 at 3:58 p.m. Colombia time
An Associated Press fact-check published at 2:45:07 p.m. addresses viral posts blaming HAARP for the Colombia earthquake. The geological evidence cited does not support that claim.
A viral claim without evidence
The posts blame the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program in Alaska. AP concludes the claim is false.
A tectonic mechanism described by USGS
USGS primarily describes strike-slip faulting, in which blocks of crust move horizontally. The event occurred in a naturally seismic region of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
A depth incompatible with the allegation
Seismologist Suzan Van der Lee told AP that no human activity caused this earthquake. She points to a depth of about 110 km, at least ten times deeper than earthquakes induced by certain shallow human activities discussed in the article.
What HAARP actually studies
HAARP describes its work as studying the properties and behaviour of the upper atmosphere. That mission does not provide a mechanism for the crustal movement described by USGS.