Bogota Shaken: Powerful 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes with Devastating Aftershocks

In a terrifying turn of events, Bogota, the capital city of Colombia, was struck by a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3, followed by a series of aftershocks. The United States Geological Survey reported the earthquake, prompting frightened residents to flee into the streets. Sadly, one woman fell to her death during the chaos.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the town of El Calvario, southeast of Bogota, at a depth of less than 30km. The quake caused buildings to shake and sirens to sound, sending thousands of panicked residents pouring into the streets.

Mayor Claudia Lopez expressed deep regret over the incident involving the woman who jumped from the 10th floor of a residential building out of nerves. Medical teams were sent to accompany those who were with her in the house.

Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of major damage from the earthquake. However, Colombia's House of Representatives reported damages as a plaster decoration fell from the ceiling onto a desk. No one was injured in the incident. Authorities also noted that windows in the area were damaged. The initial earthquake was followed by aftershocks, causing further alarm among the people. Colombia's national geological service estimated the second quake to be of a 5.6 magnitude, with the subsequent aftershock measuring at 4.8. The civil defense agency confirmed that residents in the entire municipality of El Calvario had been evacuated, and they were checking for more impacts in nearby Villavicencio, where a landslide was reported. Colombia is a seismically active region, with one of the country's main geological faults running through the area. In light of recent increased seismic activity around the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, authorities had issued warnings. The volcano is responsible for triggering Colombia's largest recorded natural disaster in 1985, which claimed the lives of 25,000 people. The earthquake left residents feeling vulnerable and reminded them of the fragility of life. Adrian Alarcon, who works near Park 93 district, described the earthquake as strong and long-lasting. "It makes me feel fragile," he said. "Life changes in a second. You can't do anything, just run for your life." The people of Bogota and other affected cities endured a terrifying ordeal during the earthquake and its aftershocks. Videos circulating on social media showed furniture shaking and chandeliers swinging, capturing the intensity of the event. As the city recovers and assesses the damage, authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide support to those affected.