A magnitude 3 earthquake was recorded today in Colombia near the Venezuelan coast.

Today, August 16, Colombia has experienced a magnitude 3 earthquake, registered near the coast of Venezuela, according to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC). This seismic event, which occurred at a shallow depth, has drawn the attention of the public, who are seeking information about its impact and possible aftershocks. Authorities are inviting the population to report their experiences through the Sismos Sentido portal, where they can register if they felt the tremor. Colombia is a country located in a seismically active zone due to the interaction of several tectonic plates: Nazca, South America, and the Caribbean. This geological characteristic makes the territory prone to earthquakes, which occur at an average frequency of 2,500 per month, or approximately 80 per day. However, most of these movements are imperceptible to residents, leading many to underestimate occasional seismic activity. The most active areas in terms of seismicity are the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, as well as mountainous regions along the Colombian mountain ranges. Despite the regularity of these phenomena, the general population must be prepared to face any eventuality. Education about the risks and measures to take in case of an earthquake is essential to reduce the impact on communities. The SGC has clarified that while some may think the frequency of earthquakes has increased, this is mainly due to greater awareness and the availability of technological tools that allow for the detection and dissemination of information about these events in real time. The community now has access to more resources, enabling them to be better informed and prepared for a possible earthquake. Feeling a tremor depends on several factors, such as the magnitude of the event, the depth at which it originates, and the distance between the epicenter and the people perceiving it. If someone feels an earthquake, it is crucial to report it to the authorities. This information is fundamental for assessing the impact of the event and coordinating an effective emergency response. The SGC has implemented a system known as Sismo Sentido, which allows citizens to report the tremors they have felt. This tool not only helps to quickly estimate the effects of the earthquake but also provides vital data for emergency response agencies, facilitating a swift and appropriate response. Earthquakes are the result of the release of accumulated energy in the Earth's crust, generating waves that propagate and produce movements that can be felt by humans. There are different causes that provoke this release of energy, including the movement of tectonic plates, volcanic activity, and, in some cases, human interventions such as the extraction of natural resources. The magnitude and depth of an earthquake are calculated based on data obtained from strategically located monitoring stations throughout the country. These stations record ground movements and allow for the determination of the earthquake's magnitude, using methods that are more precise than the old Richter scale. Currently, the moment magnitude scale is increasingly used to assess these seismic events. Regarding the depth of the earthquake, different types of waves are generated during the event and are captured by seismological stations. The differences in the arrival times of these waves allow experts to determine both the location and the depth of the earthquake, information that is vital for effective risk management. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) has provided various recommendations for the population in case of experiencing a tremor. These measures include seeking a safe place, staying away from windows and objects that may fall, and having a clear evacuation plan. Preparation and knowledge are the best tools citizens can have to face a natural phenomenon like an earthquake.