A magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit northern Chile, with no casualties or damages reported. The quake’s epicenter was near San Pedro de Atacama and occurred at a depth of 93 kilometers. Chilean authorities deemed the quake of medium intensity and noted no tsunami risk.
On Thursday, northern Chile experienced a magnitude 6.1 earthquake, as reported by the United States Geological Survey. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, and no tsunami warning was issued for the earthquake-prone nation. The epicenter was located 104 kilometers (64 miles) southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, a small town adjacent to the northern desert near the Chilean-Bolivian border.
The earthquake occurred at 12:21 p.m. local time and had a depth of 93 kilometers (58 miles). Chile’s national disaster agency classified the earthquake as having “medium intensity” and indicated that it would continue to assess potential effects. Importantly, the agency noted that the quake did “not meet the conditions necessary to generate a tsunami” along the coastline.
Chile lies within the “Ring of Fire,” an area extending from Chile to Alaska where tectonic plates collide beneath the Pacific Ocean, resulting in frequent earthquakes and tsunamis. The nation bears painful memories of a devastating magnitude 8.8 earthquake in 2010, which triggered a tsunami and claimed 526 lives. In response, Chilean authorities implemented measures to enhance emergency protocols and retrofitted structures with shock-absorbing devices to minimize damage and prevent collapse.
In summary, northern Chile was struck by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake with no reports of injuries or damage, and no tsunami warning was issued. The quake’s epicenter was near San Pedro de Atacama, showcasing Chile’s location in the earthquake-prone “Ring of Fire.” Historical lessons learned from past earthquakes have prompted improvements in emergency response and building resilience.
Original Source: www.cp24.com
