A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile without causing injuries or damage. The epicenter was located southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, and no tsunami warning was issued. Chile’s disaster agency rated the earthquake as medium intensity and continues to assess potential impacts.
On Thursday, northern Chile experienced a magnitude 6.1 earthquake, as reported by the United States Geological Survey. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage, and the event did not prompt a tsunami warning in this earthquake-vulnerable region.
The epicenter of the quake was identified as being 104 kilometers (64 miles) southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, a small town located on the outskirts of Chile’s northern desert near the Bolivia border. The quake occurred at 12:21 p.m. local time and had a depth of 93 kilometers (58 miles).
Chile’s national disaster agency assessed the earthquake’s intensity as “medium” and is continuing to monitor for any potential damage. They confirmed that the seismic activity did not meet the criteria for a tsunami generation along the coastline.
Chile is situated in the “Ring of Fire,” an area notorious for tectonic activity, where the collision of tectonic plates can lead to significant earthquakes and tsunamis. The nation still recalls the devastation of the 2010 magnitude 8.8 earthquake, which resulted in 526 fatalities, prompting authorities to enhance emergency protocols and equip structures with shock-absorbing technology.
In conclusion, the magnitude 6.1 earthquake in northern Chile did not result in any injuries or damage, nor did it trigger a tsunami warning. As Chile continues to contend with seismic activity, the improvements made since past disasters illustrate their commitment to public safety and infrastructure resilience.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
