A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile, 104 kilometers from San Pedro de Atacama, on Thursday without causing injuries or damage. The USGS reported a depth of 93 kilometers, and Chile’s disaster agency deemed it of medium intensity, stating no tsunami warning was necessary. Chile continues to enhance disaster preparedness following past catastrophic earthquakes.
On Thursday, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurred in northern Chile, particularly 104 kilometers (64 miles) southwest of San Pedro de Atacama. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or damage ensuing from this event. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) noted that the earthquake took place at 12:21 p.m. local time, with a depth of 93 kilometers (58 miles).
Chile’s national disaster agency has classified the earthquake as being of “medium intensity” and is monitoring the situation for any potential damage. They confirmed that the quake did not create conditions conducive to generating a tsunami along the coast, providing reassurance to the local population.
Situated within the “Ring of Fire,” Chile is prone to seismic activity due to the tectonic plate movements beneath the Pacific Ocean. This recent event serves as a reminder of the devastating 2010 magnitude 8.8 earthquake, which precipitated a tsunami and resulted in 526 fatalities. In response to such disasters, Chile has enhanced its emergency procedures and reinforced buildings with shock-absorbing technologies to mitigate damage and prevent structural failures.
The magnitude 6.1 earthquake in northern Chile has raised awareness about the country’s seismic vulnerabilities, but fortunately, it has not resulted in casualties or damage. Chile’s ongoing efforts to improve disaster response and infrastructure resilience are pivotal for ensuring public safety in the earthquake-prone region. The absence of a tsunami threat further minimizes concerns regarding this seismic event.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
