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Earthquake hits central Colombia
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SCI-TECH
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By Agencies
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 A 5.6-magnitude earthquake has hit central Colombia, killing three people and sending residents into the streets, witnesses and the US Geological Survey (USGS) say.
Authorities said no injuries were reported in the capital Bogota when the quake hit at 2:20pm (1920 GMT) on Saturday, but Samuel Moreno, the mayor, said some buildings were damaged.
"The report we have so far is that it was strong and some structures have suffered damage, but there is nothing to lament," he said.
The quake's epicentre was 54km southeast of Bogota at a depth of 10km, according to the USGS.
Thousands panicked in the streets under heavy drizzle as firefighters and police were mobilised.
Diego Palacio, the social protection minister, said that there was no major damage, though there were power outages. He said three people travelling in a car were killed in the quake.
Palacios said 10 homes and a church in the town of Puente Quetame sustained serious damage.
One government building in Bogota was evacuated after the quake sent a shower of bricks tumbling off one of its walls.
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Tags: Earthquake Colombia
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