Earlier this week, a massive earthquake measuring Mw 7.4 hit Colombia. Over 11,300 buildings collapsed; deaths and injuries mounted. The toll is astronomical. Since the beginning of 2026, several major earthquakes exceeding Mw 7.0 have occurred in Malaysia, the Philippines, China, Tonga, Russia, Japan, Venezuela, Mexico. In fact, it is speculated that the twin earthquakes in Venezuela may have triggered the one in Colombia. Has the incidence of earthquakes increased? Unlike the increase in global warming, earth scientists assert that earthquakes are neither more frequent nor more intense. In fact, the number of seismic events have been somewhat stable over the decades though there is acknowledgement that the tensions in the earth’s crust, though cyclical, are heading towards “the big one” (a devastating Mw 9.0 called a “megathrust” earthquake) in places like Japan, California and South America.
The problem is not about whether or not earthquakes will occur but about how prepared we will be for one. Colombia, for example, lies on the fault line of two major tectonic plates that are constantly in motion against each other. Mesa de los Santos, about 200 miles (the distance between Toronto to Ottawa) from the epicenter of the most recent earthquake is known as the most seismically active place in Colombia. It experiences 20 to 40 earthquakes every single day. Yet, in Bogota and Medellin, two major cities just 150 miles south of Mesa de los Santos, homes are not built to withstand earthquakes the size of the one that just happened. There is little preparedness for seismic events. There is no anticipation of what to do as an ordinary citizen when an earthquake hits. Mind you, there are building codes and educational protocols in place, but the reality in everyday life is that of unpreparedness.
Some people ask me if Ontario would experience an earthquake the size we’re seeing in the news. The answer is simple: No. Ontario sits on a stable tectonic plate called the North American plate. Our tremors are few and far between and have not exceeded Mw 3.2 (in Quebec) in the last decade. But our preparedness should be in other areas of our lives. Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world, you will have tribulation.” 1 Peter 4:12 cautions us not to be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes, and James 1:12 calls us to be ready “when you meet trials of various kinds'” and Job says it poetically, “Man is born for trouble, as the sparks fly upwards” (Job 5:7). The question is not whether or not trials will occur, but whether or not we are prepared in our spirit for them. Do we pray often? Do we forgive easily? Do we adequately recall God’s Word when a situation occurs? Are we filled daily with God’s Spirit to do His will? Are we prepared for trials when they come our way? As we read in the news the unfolding magnitude of the disaster in Colombia over the next few days, pray for those who are suffering. But at the same time, be reminded: Be prepared. Be vigilant. Be present.
