Colombian Geological Service warns of fake news after 7.4 earthquake

Following a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia, the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) has issued a strong warning against the proliferation of misinformation. The SGC is urging the public to rely on official channels for information and to share content responsibly, showing respect for those affected by the disaster.

The SGC director, Julio Fierro Morales, specifically debunked widespread rumors. One such falsehood claimed that the Puracé volcano had been placed on red alert after the earthquake. Fierro clarified that the volcano remains on orange alert, continuing its emission of ash and gases, which has impacted air traffic in Popayán but does not signify a change in its alert status. He assured that the volcano's activity is monitored around the clock.

Another prevalent piece of misinformation concerns the prediction of earthquake aftershocks. Fierro emphasized that science currently lacks the ability to predict seismic events. The SGC utilizes a seismic hazard model that estimates the intensity of future earthquakes in Colombia, identifying regions like Arauca, Santander, Norte de Santander, the 'Borde llanero,' and the Pacific Region as susceptible to more intense tremors in the coming decades. The service also stressed the accuracy of its models for earthquake-resistant construction, despite circulating false claims about their implications.