"Earthquake of magnitude 4.6 shakes Santander and alerts the Colombian population."

On Friday night, a 4.6 magnitude earthquake shook the region, with its epicenter in Los Santos, Santander, Colombia. The seismic event occurred at 10:10 PM, and while no significant damages were reported, the population felt the tremor, causing alarm in some areas. The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) has been active in disseminating information about seismic activity in the country, reminding citizens of the importance of reporting any tremors they perceive. Colombia is a geologically complex nation, where interactions between the Nazca, South American, and Caribbean tectonic plates create an environment prone to earthquakes. According to the SGC, the country experiences an average of about 2,500 earthquakes per month, which translates to approximately 80 tremors daily. However, most of these events are of low magnitude and go unnoticed by the population. The recent earthquake in Santander serves as a reminder that alerts should remain active, as a tremor can occur at any moment. Despite the frequency of earthquakes in the country, the perception that these events have increased may be related to greater awareness and better access to information. Current technology and communication channels allow the population to be more informed about seismic activity, which does not necessarily indicate an increase in activity, according to SGC statements. For those who felt the tremor on Friday, the SGC has made available the "Felt Earthquake" form. This resource allows citizens to report their experience of the earthquake, helping authorities to quickly assess the situation and determine the magnitude of the tremor. This information is crucial for emergency agencies to effectively address the situation. Earthquakes result from the release of accumulated energy in the Earth's crust. This energy is primarily released through the movements of tectonic plates, though it can also be triggered by volcanic activity or certain human activities, such as resource extraction. Understanding the causes and mechanisms of earthquakes is vital for improving preparedness and response to these natural phenomena. The magnitude of an earthquake is determined through monitoring stations that record ground movement. Although the Richter scale was the traditional tool for measuring these events, today more precise methods are used, such as the moment magnitude scale, which provides a more accurate estimate of the energy released by an earthquake. In addition to magnitude, the depth of the earthquake also plays a crucial role in its impact. Generally, the deeper the focus of the earthquake, the less perceptible it will be at the surface. This is determined by the different seismic waves generated and how they travel through the Earth, allowing for the calculation of the distance and location of the epicenter. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) has recommended that the population follow certain safety measures in the event of an earthquake. It is essential for everyone to know the actions to take before, during, and after an earthquake, which includes identifying evacuation routes, locations of shelters, and the importance of remaining calm in emergency situations. This recent earthquake in Santander should serve as a call to action for all Colombians to educate themselves about seismic risks in their regions and adopt practices that will help them be prepared. Education and prevention are indispensable tools for mitigating the effects of an earthquake and ensuring the safety of the population. In conclusion, Friday's tremor is not only a reminder of seismic activity in Colombia but also an opportunity to strengthen the culture of prevention and response to disasters. By being informed and prepared, citizens can contribute to more effective management of seismic risk in the country.