70 aftershocks

More than 70 aftershocks have occurred since quake, Colombian Geological Service says

By Gonzalo Zegarra

Colombia’s Geological Service has recorded more than 70 aftershocks across the country since the deadly 7.4 magnitude earthquake took place yesterday, with the latest being felt a short while ago.

The new seismic event this morning had a magnitude of 3.8, the agency said. Although far less powerful than yesterday’s earthquake, this was still felt in several cities across the country.

The epicenter of the aftershock, at a depth of 99 kilometers, was once again located in San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó.

It is “likely” that aftershocks will continue to occur, the Colombian Geological Service said yesterday afternoon, when it had already counted nearly 50 seismic events, the largest of which was magnitude 4.8.

“These can last for days, weeks, or even months, as energy continues to be released until the areas surrounding the rupture zone of the main earthquake are balanced again,” it explained.