Earthquakes in Los Santos generate alarm and highlight the seismic activity of the region.

On the night of August 30, the residents of Los Santos, Santander, experienced an unsettling evening when two significant earthquakes shook the region, leaving the population on high alert. The first tremor, recorded at 10:10 PM, reached a magnitude of 4.6 and occurred at a depth of 153 kilometers. According to reports, the movement was felt in several cities across the country, including Bucaramanga, where many felt the ground shaking beneath their feet. Just two minutes later, at 10:12 PM, a second earthquake with a magnitude of 3.2 once again rattled Los Santos, although this time its effect was less perceptible in nearby municipalities. Both tremors were recorded by the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), which has become the authoritative voice in explaining the nature of these phenomena. The SGC emphasized that, despite the short interval between the two tremors, the depth at which they occurred was a crucial factor that moderated their impact on more distant populations. The reason behind the frequent seismic activity in Los Santos is a topic of constant interest for both geologists and residents alike. The locality is situated in the Bucaramanga seismic nest, an area that has earned a reputation as one of the most seismically active intermediate zones in the world. This phenomenon is due to the interaction of several tectonic plates, leading to a high number of tremors in the region. SGC data reveals that Los Santos accounts for about 60% of the seismicity in Colombia. With this figure, it is clear that the area is not only recognized nationally for its seismic activity but is also compared to globally renowned seismic scenarios, such as Vrancea in Romania and Hindu Kush in Afghanistan. This raises questions about the daily lives of residents, who must learn to coexist with the constant movement of the earth. In the context of Colombia, a country situated on a complex system of tectonic plates, seismic activity is a constant reality. On average, approximately 2,500 earthquakes are recorded each month in the national territory, although most of these are of low magnitude and do not have a significant impact. However, authorities always urge the population to stay informed and prepared for any eventuality. The SGC emphasizes the importance of understanding that the effects of an earthquake are the result of the combination of its magnitude and depth. Generally, earthquakes like those that occurred in Los Santos have depths around 150 kilometers, which tends to lessen their effect on the surface. Nevertheless, the perception of these phenomena can vary considerably among different populations, depending on their proximity to the epicenter. This incessant cycle of tremors, no matter how small their impact, requires constant vigilance and an adequate alert system. Local and national authorities have worked to educate the population on how to react during an earthquake, implementing drills and informative campaigns aimed at saving lives. Although the fear of a stronger earthquake always lingers, the community of Los Santos has learned to adapt. Resilience is a trait that has been forged over time, and coexisting with seismic activity has become part of the local culture. Families share anecdotes about their experiences during the tremors and often gather to discuss how to improve their emergency plans. As the SGC continues to monitor the situation, the inhabitants of Los Santos know that nature has its own rules and that, in the face of the earth's force, the only option is to prepare and act prudently. The geology of the region not only defines its landscape but also shapes the daily lives of its residents, who continue to live with the uncertainty brought by the tremors.