A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck the capital city of Bogotá, Colombia, on Thursday (August 17), causing residents to flee in panic and resulting in the death of a woman who fell from a building.
No immediate reports of significant damage have been confirmed, although Colombia’s national geological service registered the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.1. Adrian Alarcon, 43, who works near the bustling Park 93 district of the capital, stated: “It was very strong and lasted a long time.”
Medical staff evacuate patients after a strong earthquake in Villavicencio, Colombia, on August 17, 2023. (Photo: Reuters)
Mayor Claudia Lopez reported a tragedy in the southeastern part of Bogotá, where a woman fell from a window during the earthquake and died.
“We deeply regret the only serious incident reported: A woman fell from the 10th floor of an apartment building in Madelena, apparently due to the earthquake,” Lopez said.
The Colombian Congress reported damages to its chamber due to the earthquake, with plaster ceilings damaged and falling down. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident.
The Colombian Civil Defense Agency stated that all residents were evacuated in Calvario, located southeast of Bogotá. Windows in the area were damaged due to the earthquake. In nearby Villavicencio, the agency reported a landslide.
The earthquake initially triggered aftershocks just minutes after residents rushed into the streets. Colombia’s national geological agency estimated that the second earthquake was measured at 5.6 on the Richter scale, with subsequent aftershocks recorded at 4.8.
