**Title: Family Captures Escape During 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake in Colombia**
In a dramatic turn of events, a family in Colombia narrowly escaped disaster as they fled their home moments before it was struck by a powerful earthquake on Monday. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.4, has been reported as the strongest to hit the country in the 21st century, resulting in at least 169 fatalities according to the Colombian Geological Service.
Liliana Pérez Ocampo, the mother of four, shared her family's harrowing experience with the BBC World Service. Initially, she and her family mistook the tremors for a mild shake, typical of the seismic activity that often occurs in Colombia. However, as the shaking intensified and lasted for over 30 seconds, they quickly realized the severity of the situation.
"We thought it was just a mild tremor like the ones that usually happen in Colombia, but when more than 30 seconds passed and everything was shaking harder, we realized it was an earthquake," Pérez Ocampo recounted. The family managed to escape just in time, avoiding what could have been a catastrophic situation.
Fortunately, all members of the family, including their two young children who were at school during the quake, are safe. Reflecting on the experience, Pérez Ocampo emphasized the importance of life over material possessions. "In the end, material things can be replaced," she stated. "The most important thing is life, and we have that."
The earthquake has raised concerns across the region, with emergency services and local authorities mobilizing to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected. The impact of the quake has been felt widely, with reports of structural damage and casualties emerging from various areas.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster, the resilience of families like that of Liliana Pérez Ocampo serves as a reminder of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with living in a seismically active region and the importance of preparedness for such events.
As recovery efforts continue, the Colombian government is expected to provide updates on the situation and the steps being taken to support affected communities. The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness in earthquake-prone areas.