Colombia on alert due to seismic activity: Earthquake in Los Santos highlights the country's vulnerability to seismic movements.

Colombia remains on constant alert due to its high seismic activity, reminding us once again that we live in a country vulnerable to seismic movements. This afternoon, Wednesday, July 24, a magnitude 4.5 earthquake was recorded on the Richter scale, with its epicenter in the municipality of Los Santos, in the region of Santander. This event highlights the importance of prevention and preparedness for possible natural disasters. Los Santos is known for being one of the places with the highest seismic activity in Colombia, as it sits on the seismic nest of Bucaramanga. In the past year, this municipality has been the epicenter of almost 70% of the earthquakes recorded in the country, demonstrating the constant geological activity in the area. This phenomenon is explained by Colombia's location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region with a high concentration of volcanoes and earthquakes. The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) is the entity responsible for monitoring and providing information about geological events in the country. Thanks to their work, we can be informed in real-time about seismic activity in Colombia, including details such as magnitude, epicenter, and the time the earthquake occurred. This information is crucial for the population to take preventive measures and be prepared in case of emergency. In this regard, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management in Colombia has issued recommendations on how to act during an earthquake. It is essential to remain calm, seek a safe place inside the home or building, stay away from windows and objects that may fall, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Prevention and education are key to minimizing risks and protecting people's lives in emergency situations. In addition to Los Santos, other Colombian municipalities have also experienced seismic activity in the last few hours. In the department of Antioquia, a magnitude 3.8 earthquake was recorded, with its epicenter in the municipality of Bello. In Norte de Santander, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake shook the region, with its epicenter in the municipality of Cúcuta. These events serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and alert for any eventuality. It is crucial that the Colombian population is informed and prepared to face risk situations such as earthquakes. Disaster prevention education, the implementation of safety protocols, and the creation of emergency plans are key measures to reduce vulnerability to natural events. Collaboration between government institutions, the scientific community, and society in general is essential to strengthen the country's resilience to natural disasters. In this context, it is important to highlight the role of science and research in understanding geological phenomena. Seismicity studies, volcano surveillance, and fault monitoring are fundamental tools to prevent tragedies and protect the population. Investment in science and technology is a key factor in risk management in Colombia and in ensuring the safety and well-being of its inhabitants in a seismic environment. In conclusion, the recent earthquake in Los Santos reminds us of the fragility of our geography and the importance of prevention in the face of natural events. Timely information, education in risk management, and collaboration between institutions and society are fundamental pillars in building a culture of prevention and response to disasters. Being prepared and alert is everyone's responsibility to mitigate the effects of earthquakes and protect the lives and property of all Colombians.