A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck northern Chile on March 6, 2025, with no reports of injuries or damage and no tsunami warning issued. The quake’s epicenter was southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, and it was classified as medium intensity by national authorities.
On March 6, 2025, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck northern Chile. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, nor was a tsunami warning issued in the earthquake-prone country. The epicenter was located 104 kilometers southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, a small town near the Bolivian border, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The tremor occurred at 12:21 p.m. local time and had a depth of 93 kilometers. Chile’s national disaster agency classified the earthquake as having “medium intensity” and stated that it would continue to monitor the situation for any potential damage. The agency confirmed that the earthquake did not meet the criteria needed to generate a tsunami along the coastline.
Chile is situated on the “Ring of Fire,” a zone where tectonic plates collide under the Pacific Ocean, often resulting in earthquakes and tsunamis. The country grapples with the memory of the devastating 2010 earthquake, which had a magnitude of 8.8 and resulted in a tsunami that killed 526 individuals. In response to this disaster, Chilean authorities have made significant efforts to enhance emergency response strategies and have equipped buildings with shock-absorbing mechanisms to mitigate potential damage in the event of future seismic activities.
In summary, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile without causing injuries or substantial damage. The event highlights the ongoing seismic activity associated with the Ring of Fire and the importance of improved emergency preparedness in the region. Chile’s experience from past earthquakes underscores the national commitment to bolster infrastructure resilience against such disasters.
Original Source: halifax.citynews.ca