Powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake rocks Colombian capital

A strong earthquake struck the Colombian capital of Bogota on Thursday, resulting in sirens and inducing brief moments of panic among the populace.

However, the seismic event did not lead to significant injuries or substantial material damage.

As reported by the Colombian Geological Survey (CGS), the earthquake registered a magnitude of 6.1, while the US Geological Survey (USGS) measured it at 6.3.

The shocks occurred at 12:04 pm (1704 GMT), originating from El Calvario, a town in the country's central region, approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Bogota.

Following the primary earthquake, a 5.9-magnitude aftershock ensued, an update shared by the agency via social media platforms.

During the tremors, buildings experienced trembles and sirens echoed across the city, leading to a surge of residents onto the streets. Concerned individuals held onto their cell phones, connecting with loved ones in haste. Mayor Claudia Lopez's message through a social network post emphasized calmness, caution, and preparedness against potential aftershocks.

Despite the intensity of the earthquake, reports indicated that its impact was largely limited. Mayor Lopez confirmed instances of individuals briefly trapped in elevators and minor incidents, without any grave occurrences reported. Communities near the epicentre, including Villavicencio, Bucaramanga, Tunja, and Ibague, reported feeling the quake's effects.

The situation was even encountered by the US ambassador to Colombia, Francisco Palmieri, who was delivering a speech. Although he briefly acknowledged the earthquake, he continued with his address, maintaining a composed demeanour. Notably, the occurrence did not necessitate the evacuation of the venue.

Localized consequences emerged, including a landslide reported in Villavicencio and minor window damage in El Calvario. The seismic activity in central Colombia, renowned for its geological activity and faults, underscored the presence of fault lines in the region.

This recent earthquake stands as a reminder of the region's seismic history. Reflecting on the past, in 2008, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 centred in El Calvario led to the unfortunate loss of 11 lives.