How long did the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook Colombia last? This was explained by the Colombian Geological Service

Earthquake News in Chocó Photo: Chocó Government 10/08/2026 19:01 Updated: 10/08/2026 19:01 The question that has filled social media on this Monday, August 10, is how long did the strong earthquake last? In response, the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) clarified this situation and provided some details on how this time is measured. Apparently, this question has three answers, since one thing is how long people feel it, how long instruments record it, or how long the movement of the fault that causes it lasts. READ ALSO SGC Clarifications SGC logo. Photo: Taken from social media In response to the question, the SGC wrote on its official X profile: "There is not a single answer because when we talk about the duration of an earthquake, we can be referring to three different things: how long people feel it, how long our instruments record it, or how long the movement of the fault that causes it lasts." To monitor seismic activity, the SGC uses seismometers, which are capable of recording ground movements that people cannot perceive. That is why the SGC assures that "while a person may feel an earthquake for a few seconds, the stations can record its waves for several minutes." That is why in Colombia, several earthquakes occur daily that people do not feel. "That can vary from person to person. It depends on factors such as the distance to the hypocenter (the place inside the Earth where the rupture begins), the characteristics of the terrain, and the building we are in," they assured. Apparently, the ground where the seismic movement occurs also matters. In terrains made up of more rigid rocks, "seismic waves tend to be less amplified." In some softer soils, "they can amplify the movement and make it perceived for a longer time." According to the SGC: "In the case of the San José del Palmar earthquake, the monitoring stations closest to the epicenter recorded approximately between 90 seconds and 2 minutes of significant movement." However, the entity assures that it has received reports that some people felt it for longer. Developing... Follow all the information about Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. BULLETINS EL TIEMPO Register for our bulletins and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed about what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWS Follow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay always updated with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPP Join El Tiempo's channel on WhatsApp to stay up to date with the most relevant news at the moment. EL TIEMPO APP Stay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL Reliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content unlimitedly.