A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile, 104 km from San Pedro de Atacama. No immediate reports of casualties or damage were noted, and a tsunami warning was not issued. The quake, deemed of medium intensity, sparked evaluations of its impact amid Chile’s history of seismic events.
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck northern Chile on Thursday, reported to have occurred at 12:21 pm local time at a depth of 93 kilometers, approximately 104 kilometers southwest of San Pedro de Atacama. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that there were no initial reports of casualties or significant damage, and a tsunami warning was not issued.
Located in the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” Chile experiences frequent seismic activity due to tectonic plate interactions. Chile’s national disaster agency classified the recent quake as having “medium intensity” and continues to assess any potential damage, assuring that conditions for a tsunami were not met.
Chilean authorities have learned from the devastating 2010 magnitude 8.8 earthquake, which caused 526 fatalities and triggered a tsunami. In response, enhanced emergency procedures and retrofitting of buildings with shock-absorbing devices have been implemented to minimize future risks and prevent structural collapse.
The 6.1 magnitude earthquake in northern Chile, occurring within the highly seismic ‘Ring of Fire,’ has prompted evaluations by local disaster agencies, although no immediate casualties or significant damage were reported. Continuous efforts to improve building resilience post-2010 earthquake reflect Chile’s commitment to disaster preparedness and public safety.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
