A powerful earthquake has rattled Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, prompting residents to flee buildings and gather in open spaces in the early hours of Sunday.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake at a magnitude of 6.3, with its epicentre near Paratebueno, around 170 kilometres (105 miles) east of Bogotá, in central Colombia. However, Colombia’s own Geological Service registered a stronger reading of 6.5 on the Richter scale.

The tremor was felt across the capital and surrounding regions, shaking buildings and setting off sirens. Reporters from the AFP news agency described scenes of panic as people, some in pyjamas, rushed onto the streets. Parents attempted to calm frightened children while others searched for pets that had fled during the quake.

“It was very

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