Magnitude- 6.1 earthquake shakes Colombian capital

BOGOTA, Colombia

A powerful magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck Bogota and other Colombia cities Thursday as residents poured into streets on evacuation orders.

The quake originated in the Meta region with the epicenter 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of the capital. It was followed by two aftershocks minutes later.

The mayor of Bogota asked residents not to return to buildings in the capital out of concerns about additional aftershocks.

“Strong tremor in Bogota. Let's remain calm and cautious. We are checking the entire reporting system and emergency response to verify. Please take all precautionary measures in case of possible aftershocks. Calm, serenity and caution,” Claudia Lopez Hernandez wrote on Twitter.

Residents left their homes and workers left government buildings in Bogota as the international airport was evacuated. There have been no reports of casualties.

In the downtown area, reports indicate that some fainted from the shock and authorities have confirmed that there are several vicitms trapped in elevators. Damage to buildings near the epicenter has been reported.