A powerful magnitude 6.3 earthquake has shaken the Colombian capital of Bogota, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS reported on Sunday morning that the quake struck near the city of Paratebueno in central Colombia, about 170 kilometres (105 miles) east of Bogota.
The Colombian Geological Service, however, reported that the magnitude of the shock was higher, registering a 6.5 on the Richter scale.
The Mayor of Bogota, Carlos Galan, wrote on X that no one was injured in the earthquake, according to preliminary reports.
Central Colombia, a zone of high seismic activity, has experienced a similar earthquake before, which was recorded as a 6.2 magnitude quake in 1999, claiming nearly 1,200 lives.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Bogota, the capital of Colombia, was rocked by a strong magnitude 6.3 earthquake.
The earthquake occurred approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) east of Bogota in central Colombia, close to the city of Paratebueno, according to a Sunday morning USGS report.
However, the Colombian Geological Service stated that the shock’s magnitude was higher, coming in at a 6point 5 on the Richter scale.
People rushed out onto the streets for safety as sirens sounded and buildings shook throughout Bogota, according to AFP news agency reporters on the ground.
Parents were trying to calm scared children while others were looking for pets that had escaped during the tremor. People were gathered in their pajamas in parks and outside buildings.
A senior citizen who was descending multiple flights of stairs told AFP that the shake was “very strong.”.
Videos taken in the immediate aftermath were confirmed by Sanad of Al Jazeera.
Translation: Following the powerful 6.4 earthquake that occurred at around 8:00 a.m., these photos show residents of Bogotá fleeing. M. this Sunday, June 8.
According to initial reports, no one was hurt in the earthquake, said Carlos Galan, the mayor of Bogota, on X.
One patient is being treated for an anxiety attack at this time and is being moved to Central Hospital. Although some power outages and minor structural damage have been reported thus far, service has already been restored, Galan continued.
An earthquake of a similar magnitude, measuring 6.2 in 1999, has previously struck Central Colombia, an area with a high seismic activity level, and nearly 1,200 people were killed.
