Earthquake reported in Colombia's Chocó region
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A magnitude 2.8 earthquake occurred on Sunday, August 9, in Carmen del Darién, Chocó, Colombia.
- The tremor had a shallow depth of less than 30 kilometers and its epicenter was near Antioquia.
- The Geological Service of Colombia provided recommendations for safety during and after seismic events.
A minor earthquake, measuring magnitude 2.8, shook Carmen del Darién in Colombia's Chocó region on Sunday afternoon, August 9. The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) reported the seismic event occurred around 2:51 p.m. local time.
The tremor was characterized by a shallow depth, recorded at less than 30 kilometers below the surface. Its epicenter was located near the Antioquia municipalities of Murindó, approximately 19 kilometers away, and Mutatá, 35 kilometers away. The earthquake's coordinates were registered at 7.01° latitude and -76.64° longitude, with data collected from 32 seismological stations.
Following the event, the SGC issued standard safety recommendations for the public. These guidelines emphasize staying calm and seeking immediate protection, advising individuals in seismically resistant buildings to move near columns or under desks, away from windows. For those in informal constructions, the advice is to evacuate carefully while being mindful of potential hazards. The SGC also reminded people not to use elevators during evacuation and to avoid door frames, which are not considered safe zones.
Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.