A new earthquake shook Colombia on August 29: SGC revealed details of the earthquake movements recorded during the afternoon

Heavy rainfall has once again struck Quibdó, the capital of Colombia's Chocó department, causing widespread flooding that affected homes and roads after more than 10 hours of continuous precipitation. The downpours began late Friday night and continued into Saturday morning, leaving several neighborhoods submerged under water. Videos shared on social media show streets flooded with water, homes and businesses damaged, and vehicles struggling to move through the affected areas. The intensity of the rain also caused several streams to overflow, testing the city’s drainage system. The situation comes just weeks after a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 shook the region on August 10, adding to the vulnerability of residents already dealing with the aftermath of that disaster. According to reports, the rainfall recorded over a 24-hour period reached 198.7 millimeters, the highest volume registered in the country during that time. This level of precipitation overwhelmed existing infrastructure, particularly in areas where the sewer system coverage is less than 30 percent, according to local authorities. Several sectors of Quibdó were impacted, including Las Margaritas, Minuto de Dios, Fuego Verde, and La Yesquita. In La Yesquita, one house reportedly collapsed due to the force of the water. Streets in these areas became impassable, with water levels rising inside some buildings. Despite the severity of the flooding, officials have not reported any injuries or fatalities so far. Local government authorities confirmed they deployed emergency response teams to assess damage, assist affected families, and manage the cleanup efforts. Officials stated that maintenance work had been carried out in recent years on stormwater channels, drains, and manholes, but the intensity and duration of this rainfall exceeded the capacity of the existing infrastructure. The heavy rains were part of a broader pattern of intense precipitation affecting multiple regions across the country. Other departments such as Caquetá, Casanare, Cundinamarca, Nariño, and Putumayo also experienced high rainfall levels. The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (Ideam) documented the extent of the rainfall in Quibdó, highlighting its significance compared to other areas. On August 29, the day before the flooding began, seismic activity was reported in the Chocó region, with the Service Geologic of Colombia (SGC) recording five earthquakes, including one of magnitude 3.9 with an epicenter near Totoró. These tremors occurred in the afternoon and were part of ongoing seismic monitoring conducted by the agency. While none of the quakes were large enough to cause major damage, their occurrence added to public concern following the earlier earthquake. Authorities remain vigilant, maintaining alerts for further developments in the area. The SGC continues to monitor seismic activity nationwide, providing updates on the magnitude, depth, location, and timing of each event. The frequent seismic activity in Colombia is attributed to its geographical position, where several tectonic plates interact. Residents of Quibdó continue to deal with both the immediate effects of the flooding and the lingering concerns from the recent earthquake. Local officials are working to clear drains and remove debris to help mitigate the impact of the floods. Meanwhile, the community remains on high alert for any additional weather-related or geological threats. The combination of heavy rainfall and structural challenges in the city’s drainage system has left many residents in vulnerable situations. As recovery efforts from the previous earthquake are still underway, the new flood adds another layer of complexity to the region’s resilience and preparedness.