A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck central Colombia Sunday morning, causing panic and minor damage. Major tremors were felt in Bogotá, where thousands evacuated buildings. Fortunately, there are no serious injuries reported, though inspections for damage are ongoing, especially in towns near the quake’s epicenter.
A strong earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck central Colombia early Sunday morning, causing buildings to sway and prompting many to flee into the streets. The quake hit around 8:08 am, about 170 kilometers east of Bogotá, and reports indicate it was felt widely throughout the region, causing panic among residents. Fortunately, initial assessments show no serious injuries, but minor damage has been reported in various villages.
In Paratebueno, which is near the quake’s epicenter, AFP reporters observed several buildings partially collapsed, including a church facing significant damage. Some nearby residents were seen sifting through the wreckage of collapsed infrastructure, particularly among structures that had zinc roofs. While the earthquake’s force rattled the region, investigations into the extent of the damage are ongoing.
In Bogotá, the country’s capital with a population of around eight million, the earthquake brought sirens to life and sent thousands into a state of alarm. For almost a minute, tall buildings visibly swayed, with furniture and fittings shaking violently inside homes. Many Bogotanos, still clad in pajamas, hurriedly exited their buildings and gathered in parks and open areas.
People rushed to calm frightened children as couples hugged, and others searched for pets that had run away in the chaos. “It was a big scare,” noted Carlos Alberto Ruiz, a resident who fled his home with his family and dog. Francisco Gonzalez, a lawyer who also evacuated, remarked, “It’s been a while since we felt it this strong here in Bogotá.”
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake originated from a depth of nine kilometers near Paratebueno. The tremors were reported felt in distant cities, including Medellín and Cali on the Pacific coast. Bogotá’s security office announced on X (formerly Twitter) that emergency teams were deployed to assess damage and provide help.
Carlos Fernando Galan, the mayor of Bogotá, confirmed that all applicable disaster response agencies had been activated to deal with the situation. It’s worth noting that central Colombia sits in an active seismic zone. A devastating quake in 1999, also in this region, resulted in nearly 1,200 fatalities, highlighting the ongoing risk residents face.
Additionally, Colombia is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”—a region notorious for frequent seismic activity resulting from tectonic plate collisions, extending from Japan through Southeast Asia and across to South America.
With aftershocks continuing, residents are understandably anxious about returning to their homes, pondering over the balance of everyday life and the looming threat from seismic events.
In summary, a significant 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook central Colombia early Sunday morning, causing building damage and prompting widespread panic, particularly in Bogotá. Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported, but authorities are conducting damage assessments. As aftershocks continue, residents remain wary about their safety, particularly given the historical context of seismic risks in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
