On Thursday, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile, with an epicenter located southwest of San Pedro de Atacama. The US Geological Survey reported the quake, which did not cause casualties or significant damage, and no tsunami warnings were issued. Chile remains prepared for seismic events, having improved building safety since the catastrophic 2010 earthquake.
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck northern Chile on Thursday, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The quake did not trigger any tsunami warnings in the earthquake-prone country. The earthquake’s epicenter was identified as being located 104 kilometers southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS reported that the earthquake occurred at 12:21 PM local time and had a depth of 93 kilometers. Chile’s national disaster agency classified the earthquake as being of “medium intensity” and is actively assessing the potential damages. Authorities confirmed that the earthquake did not meet the criteria necessary for generating a tsunami along the coast.
Chile is situated in the “Ring of Fire,” a geological zone where tectonic plate activity is notable. The nation has painful historical memories of a devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake in 2010, which led to a tsunami and resulted in 526 fatalities. Since that time, Chilean authorities have implemented measures to enhance emergency response protocols and to equip structures with shock-absorbing technologies to mitigate potential destruction during seismic events.
The recent 6.1 magnitude earthquake in northern Chile occurred without immediate casualties or damages reported. The event highlighted the country’s location within the tectonically active “Ring of Fire.” Learning from its past disasters, Chile continues to strengthen its emergency management and building resilience against earthquakes, thereby enhancing safety for its citizens.
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