Earthquakes in Colombia: a latent reality that demands preparation

On July 18, a magnitude 2.8 earthquake shook the town of Lenguazaque in Cundinamarca, Colombia. According to the Colombian Geological Survey, the seismic event had a shallow depth and was recorded at 9:31 p.m. local time. This news adds to the series of earthquakes that regularly shake different regions of the country, highlighting the seismic activity present in Colombia. According to statements from the Colombian Geological Survey, the country is located in a highly seismic area due to the interaction of different tectonic plates, such as the Nazca, South America, and Caribbean plates. This complex geological dynamic causes earthquakes throughout much of the national territory, with an average of 2,500 seismic events per month, approximately 80 per day, although most of them are not perceptible to the population. Although the most seismic active regions are the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, as well as areas around the mountain ranges, the possibility of an earthquake occurring at any time is present throughout the country. Therefore, it is essential for the population to be prepared to face these events, knowing the risks associated with their geographical location and understanding what measures to take in the event of an earthquake. The Colombian Geological Survey has emphasized that the frequency of earthquakes may not necessarily have increased, but nowadays there are better resources, tools, and channels of information to detect and disseminate these events. This public awareness of seismic activity contributes to better preparation of the population and expedites the response of authorities to possible emergencies. The perception of an earthquake is determined by various factors, such as the magnitude and depth of the movement, as well as the distance of people to the epicenter. In the event of feeling an earthquake, it is essential to report its occurrence, as this facilitates the assessment of the effects of the event and allows for a more effective response from emergency agencies. The protocol established by the Colombian Geological Survey includes the possibility for citizens to fill out the "Sismo Sentido" information collection form, through which data on possible damages are collected and the intensity of the seismic movement is determined. This information is crucial to improve knowledge about seismic threats in the country and strengthen prevention and response strategies. Earthquakes are generated by the release of accumulated energy in the Earth's crust, which propagates in the form of seismic waves. These tremors can cause damage to structures and the natural environment, triggered by movements of tectonic plates, volcanic activity, and even human actions such as resource extraction or fluid injection into the subsurface. The magnitude and depth of an earthquake are calculated based on data collected by monitoring stations distributed throughout the territory. Although the Richter scale was historically used to measure earthquake magnitude, more precise methods are currently employed, such as the moment magnitude scale, which provides more detailed and universal information about the energy released by a seismic event. In the event of an earthquake, it is essential to follow the recommendations of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, which include measures such as seeking safe places, staying away from windows and objects that may fall, remaining calm, and following the instructions of local authorities. Being informed and prepared is key to facing the seismic reality of a country like Colombia, where geological activity continues to be part of the daily lives of its inhabitants.