Mag.nitude 6.3 Ear.thq.uake Sha.kes Central Colombia

A strong earthquake shook central Colombia, sending people into the streets and prompting emergency checks across several municipalities.

The quake struck near Paratebueno, in the department of Cundinamarca, about 116 miles southeast of Bogotá. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake as magnitude 6.3, with a shallow depth of about 9 to 10 kilometers.

The tremor was felt strongly in Bogotá and other parts of central Colombia. Many residents evacuated buildings as a precaution while authorities reviewed possible damage.

Initial reports from AP said no casualties were immediately confirmed. Officials said they were assessing conditions in affected towns and monitoring aftershocks.

Some areas near the epicenter later reported damage to homes, roads, schools, churches, and other structures. Rural communities closer to Paratebueno appeared to experience the strongest impact.

The Colombian Geological Service also reported several aftershocks in the same region, increasing concern among residents.

Colombia is located in a seismically active zone, where earthquakes can occur due to the movement of tectonic plates in the region.

Authorities urged people to stay calm, follow official safety instructions, and avoid spreading unverified claims online.

The full damage assessment continued after the quake.