Powerful 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Central Colombia, Sends Residents Fleeing
In the early hours of Sunday, an earthquake of considerable magnitude hit central Colombia, causing Bogotá, the capital city, to shake and leaving the citizens in panic. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake was of 6.3 magnitude, and it took place near the town of Paratebueno, at 170 kilometers, or about 105 miles east of Bogotá.
However, Colombia’s Programa de Geología reported the earthquake as being slightly stronger, at 6.5 on the Richter scale. People in Bogotá were awakened by a shock from their sleep at around 8 a.m., while alarm sirens went off across the city and the movement of the buildings became noticeable. On the ground, bystanders spoke about the horror on the streets, and told the following stories: people running, calling out to others, braving the elements at breakneck speed to reunite with loved ones left in distress, and coming together as a community in human nature at its best of the most not-quite-good people. Some parents were consoling their frightened kids, while others were searching for the pets that got scared and didn’t stop running away during the turmoil.
“It was very strong,” a woman confessed to reporters as they walked step by step; “It was very strong,” said she.
Even though the earthquake occurred with such strength, the mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Galán, comforted the residents by making a post on X on the fact [BY FORMERLY TWITTER] that no people had been severely hurt. The post read in the following way: “At this time, one person is being treated for an anxiety attack and is being transferred to the Central Hospital.” He also said that repair work on buildings with minor damages and the power supply had been in progress and would be completed soon.
Colombia is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a high seismic activity region. The Sunday earthquake reminded of the region’s vulnerability amidst the memories of a nearly 1,200 fatality 6.2 magnitude earthquake in 1999.
Thankfully, this occurrence did not result in anything disastrous in the area. And yet, the earthquake left behind a populace of Bogotá, who are both grateful and scared, to critically assess their disaster readiness that they previously had undue confidence in.
