"Earthquake in Los Santos raises concern and reinforces the importance of preparedness."

On the morning of August 30, a tremor shook the town of Los Santos in the Santander department, causing concern among the local residents. The seismic event was recorded at a shallow depth, allowing many residents to feel it clearly. The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) was the agency responsible for reporting on the magnitude and characteristics of this natural phenomenon, urging citizens to report any incidents on the website designated for this purpose: https://sismosentido.sgc.gov.co. Colombia is a country known for its seismic activity, resulting from the interaction of several tectonic plates that converge in its territory, such as the Nazca, South American, and Caribbean plates. This interaction generates a complex geological dynamic, where earthquakes are a recurring phenomenon in most regions of the country. It is estimated that, on average, about 2,500 earthquakes occur monthly, which is approximately 80 tremors daily, although most go unnoticed by the population. The areas most prone to experiencing earthquakes are the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, as well as the mountainous regions of the country. However, as demonstrated in Los Santos, a tremor can occur anywhere and at any time, highlighting the importance of educating and preparing the population to respond to such situations. It is essential for people living in seismically active areas to understand the risks they face and know how to act in the event of a tremor. In this context, the SGC has emphasized that, although an increased frequency of earthquakes may be perceived, this is largely due to an improvement in detection capabilities and the availability of technological resources that make this seismic activity more visible. The impact of an earthquake on the population depends not only on its magnitude but also on its depth and the distance from the epicenter to where people are located. For this reason, the SGC has created a platform where citizens can report their experiences after feeling an earthquake. This information is vital for estimating the effects of the event and allows emergency agencies to respond more effectively and promptly. Earthquakes occur due to the release of accumulated energy in tectonic plates. This energy dissipates in the form of waves that, upon reaching the surface, cause perceptible movements. The nature of these movements can vary considerably, and in some cases, they can cause damage to structures and the environment, such as landslides or ground cracking. Tremors can have different origins. Primarily, they are due to the movements of tectonic plates, but there are also volcanic earthquakes caused by volcanic activity and, to a lesser extent, by human activities such as the extraction of energy resources. The magnitude and depth of an earthquake are determined based on data obtained from monitoring equipment that records ground movements at various stations across the country. With the advancement of technology, methodologies for measuring earthquakes have improved considerably. Previously, the Richter scale was used, but today the moment magnitude scale is preferred, which offers a more precise and universal measurement of the energy released during an earthquake. Therefore, it is more accurate to refer to an earthquake in terms of its specific magnitude. Deepening the understanding of earthquakes is key to the safety of citizens. The differences in the arrival times of seismic waves at monitoring stations allow not only for determining magnitude but also for locating and measuring the depth of the tremor. These measurements are essential for emergency management and for implementing prevention and response plans. Finally, according to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), it is crucial for the population to be informed about the measures to take in the event of a tremor, such as seeking shelter in a safe place, staying away from windows and objects that may fall, and paying attention to the recommendations of authorities. Preparedness and education are fundamental tools for facing these types of natural phenomena, which, although they cannot be prevented, can be managed to minimize their effects.