A powerful earthquake shaken Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, encouraging residents to flee the buildings and come together in open spaces in the early hours of Sunday.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake for 6.3, with its epicenter near Partebueno, about 170 kilometers (105 miles) east of Bogotá, in the center of Colombia. However, the geological service of Colombia recorded a stronger reading of 6.5 on the Richter scale.
The tremor was felt through the capital and the surrounding regions, shaking the buildings and triggering sirens. Journalists from the AFP news agency described panic scenes while people, some in pajamas, rushed into the streets. Parents tried to calm frightened children while others were looking for pets who fled during the earthquake.
“It was very strong,” said an elderly woman, speaking to AFP while she was descending several stairs to reach security.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the capital has avoided the main victims. The mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Galán, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that no injury has been reported so far. “Currently, a person is treated for an anxiety crisis and is transferred to the central hospital,” he wrote.
The mayor has also confirmed the reports of minor structural damage and temporary power outages, which have since been resolved.
Colombia, located along the Pacific fire ring, is subject to seismic activity. The region experienced one of its most deadly earthquakes in 1999, when a rough 6.2 tremor cost the life of almost 1,200 lives in the center of Colombia.
The authorities continue to assess the impact and advised the public to remain cautious in the risk of replicas.
