"Earthquake in Los Santos, Santander: seismic alert and effective community response"

Today, August 17, Los Santos in Santander was the scene of a tremor that has drawn the attention of the local population and authorities. According to a report from the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), the earthquake was shallow, which tends to intensify the perception of the seismic movement among residents. Fortunately, no serious damage was reported, allowing the community to breathe a little easier after the seismic event. Seismic activity in Colombia is a recurring topic, as the country is located in an active geological zone due to the interaction of several tectonic plates: Nazca, South America, and the Caribbean. This interaction creates a complex geological dynamic that results in the occurrence of earthquakes in different regions of the national territory, especially along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, as well as in the mountainous areas of the country. On average, Colombia experiences about 2,500 earthquakes per month, which amounts to approximately 80 tremors daily. However, most of these events are so mild that they go unnoticed by the population. The recent seismic activity in Los Santos serves as a reminder that while many earthquakes are not felt, there is always the possibility of a significant event occurring. The perception of an increase in seismic activity can be misleading. According to the SGC, the feeling that tremors are more frequent today is due to greater awareness and access to information about earthquakes, facilitated by more effective technologies and communication channels. This has allowed more people to be informed about seismic events and report their experiences through platforms like "Sismo Sentido," a crucial tool for real-time monitoring of effects. Collecting information about the perception of earthquakes is essential. Each time a tremor is reported, the SGC invites the public to fill out an online form that allows for estimating the effects of the event, as well as the intensity with which it was felt. These actions are fundamental for the agencies responsible for emergency response to act efficiently, helping to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes. Earthquakes, as a natural phenomenon, are caused by the release of accumulated energy in the Earth's crust, which occurs through two main mechanisms: the movement of tectonic plates and volcanic activity. However, there are also human factors that can induce earthquakes, such as resource extraction and fluid injection into the subsurface. This variety of causes highlights the complexity of the seismic phenomenon and the need for ongoing study. The magnitude and depth of an earthquake are determined through a network of monitoring stations that record ground movements. While the old Richter scale has gradually been replaced by the moment magnitude scale, the focus on monitoring accuracy has become more relevant than ever. The magnitude of an earthquake is now expressed more clearly, without reference to degrees, allowing for a better understanding of the phenomenon. The types of waves generated during an earthquake, such as P and S waves, are recorded by these stations and help to determine the location and depth of the tremor. This knowledge is essential for understanding the nature of the earthquake and assessing its potential impact on surrounding areas. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) recommends that the public remain calm and follow certain measures in case of a tremor. Knowing evacuation routes, having a family emergency plan, and having a supply kit are actions that can be decisive in times of crisis. In a country where earthquakes are a reality, preparedness and education are key to facing the challenges posed by these natural phenomena. The recent experience in Los Santos is a reminder that vigilance and preparation are essential in the daily lives of Colombians.