"Earthquake of magnitude 2.0 shakes Los Santos and reiterates the need for seismic preparedness."

On Wednesday, August 21, Colombia experienced a tremor of magnitude 2.0, with its epicenter in Los Santos, a municipality located in the department of Santander. This natural phenomenon, which occurred in the morning hours, once again highlighted the constant seismic activity that characterizes the country, considered one of the most seismically active in the region. The Colombian Geological Service (SGC), the entity responsible for monitoring and disseminating information about earthquakes, reported that the tremor occurred 5 kilometers from Los Santos, also affecting the nearby municipalities of Jordán and Zapatoca, located 7 and 15 kilometers away, respectively. Although the magnitude of the quake was minor, residents in the area felt the shaking, which generated concern among the local population. Colombia is geographically situated in a zone of high tectonic activity, making it prone to seismic movements. The Andes mountain range, which runs through the country from north to south, is the result of the collision of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, with this interaction being the cause of most of the tremors recorded in the country. For this reason, Santander, Huila, Meta, and Cundinamarca are some of the departments where tremors are more frequent. The importance of being prepared for these phenomena is vital. Although today’s quake did not cause significant damage or injuries, the experience of larger seismic events in the past has taught lessons about the necessity of having contingency plans and evacuation protocols in case of emergencies. Local and national authorities have urged citizens to stay informed and participate in drills that can save lives. The SGC also emphasizes the importance of seismic education. Knowing what to do during a tremor and how to act afterward is crucial to minimizing risks. In this regard, many educational institutions have begun to include disaster preparedness training in their curricula, focusing on how to identify and respond to earthquakes. The scientific community, for its part, continues to research seismic patterns in the country. Through historical data and advanced technology, they aim to improve early warning systems and the accuracy of predicting tectonic movements. However, despite the advances, it is important to remember that the exact prediction of earthquakes remains a challenge for experts. Residents of Los Santos and its surroundings, following today’s tremor, have shared their experiences on social media, where some expressed surprise while others showed resignation, considering that these events are part of life in the region. Such reactions are common in communities living in high seismic risk areas and reflect a mix of familiarity and fear. Risk management authorities have committed to monitoring the situation, ensuring that the population stays informed and that appropriate measures are taken to guarantee everyone’s safety. As part of these efforts, meetings have been scheduled with community leaders to discuss the best ways to address prevention and response to future tremors. With this recent quake, the need for Colombians to remain attentive to information issued by the SGC and local authorities is reiterated. Maintaining a culture of prevention and being prepared for any eventuality is the best way to face nature and its challenges.