An earthquake that measured 5.6 degrees on the Richter scale shook Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, Saturday afternoon. At least six people were killed and 10 other were injured as the tremor shook buildings and sent residents running into the streets, authorities said.

The six people died when rocks and earth fell on a highway between Bogota and Villavicencio, Colombian Interior Minister Carlos Holguin said.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck at about 2:20 p.m. (19:20 GMT) and was centered about 30 miles (50 kilometers) southeast of Bogotá. The depth of the tremor was of just 6 miles (10 kilometers) and for that reason it was felt more strongly.

The earthquake lasted for about 40 seconds and it was followed by a number of smaller aftershocks which shook Columbia in the following hour.

Numerous people left the buildings fearing they could be trapped under tons of rubble if the structures collapse. Many people waited on the city streets.

Columbian President Alvaro Uribe called on authorities to assess the damage and to learn how to help the community.

The tremor was also strongly felt in Puenquetame, about 20 miles (35 kilometers) southeast of Bogota, where a church was seriously damaged, to Luza Amanda Pulido, director of the president's disaster office, said. Some homes in the small town were also damaged.