A massive earthquake hit central Colombia on Sunday, causing widespread damage and panic. The 6.3 magnitude quake struck about 170 kilometers east of the capital city, Bogota, at a depth of just 9 kilometers.
The city of Paratebueno was among the hardest hit, with several buildings damaged or partially collapsed. Roads were left cracked and broken, and many residents were forced to evacuate their homes. Despite the destruction, there have been no reports of serious injuries or fatalities so far.
In Bogota, the quake triggered emergency alerts and caused widespread panic. Thousands of people fled their buildings and took to the streets, some still in their nightclothes. The city’s high-rise buildings swayed visibly, causing fear among residents.
Colombia is located in the “Ring of Fire”, a region where several tectonic plates meet, making it prone to earthquakes. In 1999, a 6.2 magnitude quake struck the country, killing nearly 1,200 people.
The country’s disaster response teams have been deployed to assess the damage and provide aid. Carlos Fernando Galan, the mayor of Bogota, said all emergency units are on the scene, and officials are working to evaluate the damage and provide support.
Sources: France24