A powerful earthquake struck the capital of Colombia and other major cities
A strong earthquake, followed by a strong aftershock, struck Colombia’s capital and other major cities on Thursday.
The US Geological Survey reported that the initial quake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale and the aftershock at 5.7. Both quakes were centered about 100 miles (160 kilometers) southeast of Bogotá, according to the USGS.
People in the capital of 11 million people felt buildings and floors rumble in the afternoon quake, and alarms sounded as scores of residents flocked out of their homes.
“Everything was moving and people came out and said, ‘It’s shaking, it’s shaking!’,” Bogotá resident Gonzalo Martin said. “Many people rushed to the street because of the tremors.”
A patch of ornate stones fell from the ceiling of the circular hall of Colombia’s House of Representatives in Bogota onto the lawmakers’ seating area, according to a video posted on the official congressional social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter. The room was unoccupied at the time and no one was injured.
The earthquake was also felt in major cities such as Medellin and Cali.
Videos on social media showed furniture moving and chandeliers swaying during the quake.
