Columbia: According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), an earthquake of 6.3 magnitude has struck the Colombian capital, Bogota. This was followed by dozens of aftershocks. There were no immediate indications of significant harm from the earthquake on 17th August 2023, which Colombia’s national geological service recorded as having a magnitude of 6.1.
The Colombian agency stated that it struck at 12:04 PM (17:04 GMT), with its epicentre in the town of El Calvario, 40km (25 miles) southeast of Bogota. It hit at a depth of less than 30km (19 miles). Mayor Ms. Claudia Lopez said one woman fell to her death in the southeast of the capital.
“We deeply regret the only serious incident reported: a woman threw herself from the 10th floor of a residential building in Madelena, apparently due to nerves. We’re accompanying those who were with her in the house with medical teams,” Ms. Lopez shared on X.
El PMU Distrital da de momento por superado el incidente del fuerte temblor. Mil gracias por mantener la serenidad. No hubo afectaciones materiales graves. Fue más el susto.
Sigan por favor en este momento estas instrucciones:
1. Reingresen a sus viviendas y lugares de trabajo.… pic.twitter.com/e96mX0n5MQ— Claudia López Hernández (@ClaudiaLopez) August 17, 2023
After the initial tremor, subsequent aftershocks occurred within minutes as people gathered on the streets of the city. Colombia’s national geological service assessed the second quake’s magnitude at 5.6, while the ensuing aftershock measured 4.8.
The central part of Colombia experiences frequent seismic activity and includes one of the country’s primary geological faults. Back in March, officials issued a caution regarding heightened seismic movements near the Nevado del Ruiz volcano. This mountain was responsible for causing the most significant documented natural catastrophe in the country, resulting in the loss of 25,000 lives in 1985.
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