A strong earthquake has shaken the Colombian capital and other cities
Residents gather outside their homes after an earthquake was felt in Bogota, Colombia, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. A magnitude 6.3 earthquake shook the Colombian capital and major cities another Thursday, according to reports from the United States Geological Service. USGS reported a second magnitude 5.7 earthquake shortly after the first. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
The Associated Press
A strong earthquake that followed quickly with strong aftershocks shook the Colombian capital and other cities on Thursday, sending panicked residents out into the streets and causing minor damage to Colombia’s congressional chamber.
The US Geological Survey said the initial earthquake had an initial magnitude of 6.3 and the aftershock had an initial magnitude of 5.7. The epicenter of both earthquakes was about 100 miles (160 kilometers) southeast of Bogota, according to the USGS. A magnitude 5.0 earthquake shook Colombia later Thursday night.
People in the capital city of 11 million felt buildings and floors cave in during the midday earthquake, and warnings were raised as crowds of residents left. their homes and gathering outside.
“Everything was moving, and people came out screaming, ‘It’s shaking, it’s shaking!’ ‘,” said Bogota resident Gonzalo Martin. “Many people started running out into the street because of the tremors. “
Paula Henao, deputy director of operations of the Bogotá fire department, said that one person died when they panicked and jumped from the seventh floor of a building.
A piece of the ornate stonework fell from the roof of the circular hall of the Colombian House of Representatives in Bogota onto the seating area for lawmakers, according to a video posted on the congress’ official social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter. The room was empty at the time, and no one was injured.
The earthquake was also felt in other large cities such as Medellín and Cali.
Videos on social media showed furniture shaking and chandeliers moving during the quake.
