One of the questions that arose on social media on Monday, August 10 in Colombia is: how long did the strong earthquake last? In response to this doubt, the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) clarified the situation and provided some details on how this time is measured.
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This question has three possible answers, since one thing is the time during which people feel it, another is how long the instruments record it, and another is how long the movement of the fault that causes it lasts.
WATCH: Earthquake in Colombia LIVE: report of deaths, injuries and the situation in Cali, Pereira and other affected cities
In response to the doubt, the SGC wrote on its official X profile: “There is no single answer because when we talk about the duration of an earthquake we can be talking about three different things: how long people feel it, how long our instruments record it, or how long the movement of the fault that causes it lasts.”
To monitor seismic activity, the SGC uses seismometers, which are capable of recording ground movements that people do not perceive.
Therefore, the SGC assures that, “while a person may feel an earthquake for a few seconds, the stations can record its waves for several minutes.”
That is why in Colombia several earthquakes can occur daily that people do not feel.
“That can vary from person to person. It depends on factors such as the distance to the hypocenter (the place inside the Earth where the rupture begins), the characteristics of the terrain and the building we are in,” they assured.
The entity pointed out in its explanation that the ground where the seismic movement occurs also matters. On terrain made up of more rigid rocks, “seismic waves tend to amplify less.”
However, some softer soils “can amplify the movement and make it be perceived for a longer time.”
According to the SGC, “in the case of the San José del Palmar earthquake, the monitoring stations closest to the epicenter recorded approximately between 90 seconds and 2 minutes of significant movement.”
It should be clarified that the entity assures it has received reports that people felt it for longer.
What to do during an earthquake?
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management recommends that families implement an emergency plan that includes:
- Preparation of an evacuation route.
- Identification of safe places.
- Emergency kit with water, flashlight, radio, non-perishable food and identification documents.
Also, during the tremor, it is advised to stay calm and protect yourself in structurally safe areas, such as under a desk or near a column, avoiding staying near doors, windows or elements that may fall.
After the earthquake, it is important to act cautiously and prioritize family safety. Remember not to use elevators, avoid running or pushing others, and stay away from dangerous objects.
It is also recommended to assess structural damage before re-entering buildings, cut off basic supplies such as gas, water and electricity if it is safe to do so, and stay informed through official media.
Finally, authorities continue the search and rescue of missing persons while attending to hundreds of injured and trying to restore communications in the coffee region.
