Earthquake Strikes Colombia, Killing Two and Injuring at Least 15

Strategic Insights -

A powerful earthquake struck central Colombia Thursday, killing two people and injuring at least 15, with the epicenter located 60 miles northeast of the town of Villavicencio. The quake registered 6.5 on the Richter scale and lasted 30 seconds, according to the U.S. Geological Survey National Earthquake Information Center. A second, smaller quake struck two-and-a-half hours later, causing widespread panic and damage to 50 buildings across the country, including churches, office blocks, and houses. The quake was also felt in Venezuela, where buildings were temporarily evacuated.

Key Takeaways:

  • The earthquake struck at 10 a.m. EST, with the epicenter located 60 miles (96 km) northeast of Villavicencio, central Colombia.
  • The quake registered 6.5 on the Richter scale, according to the U.S. Geological Survey National Earthquake Information Center.
  • A second, smaller quake registering 4 on the Richter scale struck two-and-a-half hours later, causing widespread panic.
  • At least 15 people were injured, and 50 buildings were damaged or evacuated across the country.
  • A construction worker, Jaime Aguirre, died when he fell from a scaffolding, and a 29-year-old man, Robinson Guayanduco, suffered serious head injuries when he fell from a tower.
  • A young girl died from shock during the earthquake in the Boyaca municipality of Miraflores.
  • The quake was also felt in Venezuela, where buildings were temporarily evacuated, particularly in the capital Caracas, Maracay, Maracaibo, and Valencia.

Statistics:

  • 2 people were killed in the earthquake.
  • At least 15 people were injured.
  • 50 buildings were damaged or evacuated across the country.
  • The first quake registered 6.5 on the Richter scale.
  • The second, smaller quake registered 4 on the Richter scale.
  • The quake lasted 30 seconds.

Sources:

  • The U.S. Geological Survey National Earthquake Information Center
  • The Geophysical Institute of the Andes
  • The Interior Ministry of Colombia
  • Local news reports from Colombia and Venezuela