Colombia Hit By 7.1 Earthquake, No Injuries Reported

Bogota, Colombia — Colombia was hit by a large earthquake on Sunday, which rattled residents in the southwest area of the Andean nation. Authorities added that there were no reports of deaths or major damage.

The earthquake measured 7.1 on the Richter scale and its epicenter was in the southwestern province of Cauca at a depth of 103 miles, according to Reuters. Jaime Raigosa, coordinator of the National Seismological Network, stated:

“So far there are no reports that there has been damage to any part of the country, only reports that it was felt. Fortunately, the quake was deep.”

The United States Geological Survey initially reported the earthquake as a 7.4 magnitude, but it has since been downgraded to 7.1 on the Richter scale. The quake was also felt in the neighboring country of Ecuador, but no damage was reported their.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also stated that they do not expect a tsunami to result from the quake, saying:

“Based on all available data a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami is not expected and there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii. Repeat. A destructive Pacific-wide tsunami is not expected and there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii.”

NBC News notes that USGS geophysicist Paul Caruso stated, “The USGS has received lots of reports that the quake was felt, but no reports of damage or injuries.”

Colombian officials stated that the earthquake was 28 miles south of Popayan, Colombia, near the Ecuador border. It struck around 11:31 am local time. The regional emergency director, Isabel Hernandez, also noted no damage in the area, despite the magnitude 7.1 quake.