A magnitude 3.0 earthquake shakes Pasto, with no reported damages or casualties.

On Tuesday, August 20, at 12:42 p.m., a tremor with a magnitude of 3.0 on the Richter scale shook southern Colombia, particularly the city of Pasto in the department of Nariño. The seismic movement, which had its epicenter in this locality, generated a wave of comments on social media where residents shared their experiences, reflecting a mix of fear and resignation in the face of the seismic activity that characterizes the region. According to the report from the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), the earthquake had a depth of less than 30 kilometers, making it perceptible to many residents of Pasto and its surroundings. Despite the unease it caused, authorities confirmed that there were no reported material damages or casualties, a relief for the inhabitants who recalled the more severe seismic events of the past. Reactions on social media were immediate. Some users reported that the tremor was felt strongly in areas such as La Cocha, while in downtown Pasto the sensation was milder. "Today wasn't as strong as the last one," commented a citizen, recalling past fears stemming from more intense seismic movements. These digital interactions reflect not only the collective anxiety regarding these phenomena but also the way the community connects and shares information in real-time. Local authorities conducted a survey to assess potential damages following the earthquake. Although no negative incidents were reported, monitoring by the SGC continues. The institution, aware of the country's seismic activity, emphasized the importance of constant vigilance of the tectonic plates in the region, which sits atop three of them: Nazca, South American, and Caribbean. Colombia is, in fact, one of the most seismically active nations in the world. According to the SGC, the country experiences an average of 2,500 earthquakes per month. However, most of these movements are of such magnitude that they go unnoticed by the population. This poses a constant challenge for authorities in terms of preparedness and education on how to act in the event of a more significant seismic event. The fact that this tremor occurred in a context where citizens still remember past seismic events, such as the devastating earthquake of 1983 in the Nariño region, underscores the need to maintain a culture of prevention. With infrastructure that has improved over the past decades, authorities must continue to promote emergency preparedness, especially in areas prone to these phenomena. Furthermore, effective communication from authorities is crucial in moments like this. Social media, while useful for the rapid dissemination of information, can also amplify fears and rumors if there is no clear and timely official response. The community's trust in institutions largely depends on their ability to manage information and ensure the safety of citizens. Thus, as Nariño recovers from the tremor this Tuesday, the episode serves as a reminder of the country’s seismic geography. Education and awareness regarding seismic activity are fundamental for citizens to react appropriately in the event of a larger-scale incident. The inhabitants of Pasto, like many in other regions of Colombia, must remain vigilant and prepared, not only for the possibility of an earthquake but also for the uncertainty that comes with living in a country situated in one of the most tectonically active zones in the world. The community's resilience in the face of nature is undoubtedly one of the great lessons that can be drawn from situations like this.