Earthquakes in Colombia: a latent reality that requires preparation

An earthquake in Colombia, with a magnitude of 2.6, shook the Pacific Ocean region today, July 15th, according to reports from the Colombian Geological Service. Fortunately, this seismic event has not caused serious consequences so far. However, in the event that the earthquake was felt, the population is invited to report it on the official website provided by the relevant authorities, remaining calm and staying alert for any future information that may arise. Colombia, being a country located in a seismically active zone due to the interaction of different tectonic plates such as the Nazca, South American, and Caribbean plates, experiences a complex geological dynamic that leads to earthquakes occurring in various regions of the territory. It is estimated that on average around 2,500 earthquakes occur per month, equivalent to approximately 80 daily events, although most of them go unnoticed by the population. The areas most prone to seismic activity in Colombia are the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, as well as the areas surrounding the country's mountain ranges. It is important to note that while most earthquakes do not have major repercussions, the possibility of them occurring at any time highlights the importance of being prepared and understanding the risks associated with each region, as well as knowing how to act in the event of such a natural disaster. In this regard, the Colombian Geological Service has refuted the belief that the frequency of earthquakes has increased, explaining that the current perception is due to the greater availability of resources, tools, and information channels that allow for the detection and dissemination of these events more effectively. Each earthquake, regardless of its magnitude, represents a release of accumulated energy that propagates in the form of waves, generating movements that can be felt on the earth's surface. When experiencing an earthquake, various factors such as its magnitude, depth, and proximity to the epicenter influence the intensity with which it is perceived. This is why it is crucial to report the occurrence of these events, as this information is essential for quickly estimating the effects of the earthquake and facilitating the response of emergency agencies to possible risk situations. The procedure established by the Colombian Geological Service to collect information on earthquakes felt by the population, through the "Sismo Sentido" form, allows for the evaluation of the intensity of the seismic movement and the determination of possible damages, which contributes to improving the understanding of seismic threats in the country and strengthening the response capacity to emergencies of this nature. It is important to remember that earthquakes can originate from various causes, such as movements of tectonic plates, volcanic activity, or even some human activities, such as natural resource extraction. The magnitude and depth of an earthquake are calculated using specialized equipment distributed in monitoring stations that record ground movements and the energy released at the event's focus. In the event of an earthquake, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management has established a series of measures and recommendations that the population must follow to ensure their safety and well-being. Being informed, having an emergency plan, and acting calmly are fundamental aspects to mitigate the impacts of earthquakes on the daily lives of Colombians and strengthen preparedness for possible future events.