During the day this Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Colombia has been shaken by several earthquakes in different areas of the country that have generated concern among the population.
In the seismic reports, constant telluric movements are especially reported in the municipality of Santander.
Tremors today Tuesday, May 21
4:58 am – Murindó, Antioquia
- Magnitude: 3.9
- Depth: Superficial (Less than 30 km)
- Nearby Municipalities: Murindó (Antioquia) 25 km away, Vigía del Fuerte (Antioquia) 25 km away, Carmen del Darién (Curbaradó) (Chocó) 49 km away
12:55 am – Los Santos, Santander
- Magnitude: 2.4
- Depth: 148 km
- Nearby Municipalities: Los Santos (Santander) 6 km, Jordán (Santander) 8 km, Zapatoca (Santander) 15 km
Why is it shaking so much in Colombia?
The seismic activity in Colombia is due to its geographical location. The country lies at the convergence of several tectonic plates, including the Nazca Plate, the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate.
The Nazca plate, located to the west, is moving east and is subducting (or sinking) under the South American plate. On the other hand, the Caribbean plate, located to the north, is moving east-southeast and is subducting under the South American plate.
“All these characteristics influence the high seismic activity of the country, where up to 2,500 earthquakes per month can be recorded, on average. However, most of them are imperceptible,” announced the Colombian Geological Service.
What are the areas most affected in Colombia by earthquakes?
Where there are also several telluric movements is in Santander. This region is located in the Panama Subduction Zone, where the Nazca Plate submerges under the South American Plate, generating intense seismic activity.
Other affected areas include Valle del Cauca, especially around Cali, and the department of Nariño, near the border with Ecuador.
