A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck northern Chile without causing injuries or damage. No tsunami warning was issued, and the epicenter was near San Pedro de Atacama. Chile’s national disaster agency indicated the earthquake had medium intensity and reinforced ongoing emergency protocols post the 2010 earthquake disaster.
On Thursday, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurred in northern Chile, yet there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from the incident. Additionally, authorities did not issue a tsunami warning for this earthquake-prone region.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 104 kilometers (64 miles) southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, near the Chile-Bolivia border. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the seismic event occurred at 12:21 p.m. local time and reached a depth of 93 kilometers (58 miles).
Chile’s national disaster agency described the earthquake as having “medium intensity” and will continue evaluating any possible impacts. They confirmed that the earthquake “did not meet the conditions necessary to generate a tsunami” along the coastline.
Chile is situated in the “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic plates meet and often lead to significant seismic activity, including earthquakes and tsunamis. Past experiences have left a lasting impression on the populace, particularly the devastating magnitude 8.8 earthquake in 2010 that resulted in the loss of 526 lives and a tsunami. After this tragedy, Chilean authorities implemented measures to enhance emergency protocols and retrofitted buildings with shock-absorbing technology to mitigate damage and prevent structural failures.
In summary, the recent magnitude 6.1 earthquake in northern Chile was significant yet did not result in injuries or damage, nor did it pose a tsunami threat. This incident highlights Chile’s geographical vulnerability due to its location in the Ring of Fire and the ongoing efforts made by authorities to improve earthquake preparedness and infrastructure resilience since the catastrophic events of 2010.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
