Colombia earthquake aftershocks may last for years, experts warn

Experts from the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) warn that aftershocks from the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10 could persist for days, weeks, months, or even years. Freddy Tovar, coordinator of the National Seismological Network, explained that a peak in seismic activity is expected as geological stresses readjust following the massive release of energy.

Beyond standard aftershocks, the SGC has detected a seismic swarm in the Chocó department and a sequence of movements in Chaparral, Tolima. In Chaparral, earthquakes of up to magnitude 4.5 have been recorded at depths of less than 30 kilometers, making them widely felt by the population.

A preliminary hypothesis being studied by the SGC is whether the August 10 earthquake altered geological stresses in different regions, potentially linking it to the current activity in Chaparral. The agency continues to monitor these events to confirm any connections.