A powerful earthquake has rattled Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, prompting residents to flee buildings and gather in open spaces in the early hours of Sunday.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake at a magnitude of 6.3, with its epicentre near Paratebueno, around 170 kilometres (105 miles) east of Bogotá, in central Colombia. However, Colombia’s own Geological Service registered a stronger reading of 6.5 on the Richter scale.
The tremor was felt across the capital and surrounding regions, shaking buildings and setting off sirens. Reporters from the AFP news agency described scenes of panic as people, some in pyjamas, rushed onto the streets. Parents attempted to calm frightened children while others searched for pets that had fled during the quake.
“It was very strong,” said one elderly woman, speaking to AFP as she descended several flights of stairs to reach safety.
Preliminary assessments suggest the capital avoided major casualties. Bogotá’s mayor, Carlos Galán, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that there were no injuries reported so far. “At this time, one person is being treated for an anxiety attack and is being transferred to the Central Hospital,” he wrote.
The mayor also confirmed reports of minor structural damage and temporary power outages, which have since been resolved.
Colombia, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to seismic activity. The region experienced one of its deadliest quakes in 1999, when a 6.2-magnitude tremor claimed nearly 1,200 lives in central Colombia.
Authorities are continuing to assess the impact and have advised the public to remain cautious amid the risk of aftershocks.
