The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck 265 kilometers east of the coastal city of Antofagasta in Chile, at a depth of 128 kilometers. The tremor occurred at 9:51 PM local time, but there have been no immediate reports of damage.
According to AFP, no tsunami warning has been issued following the quake. In January, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake hit the northern Chilean region of Tarapaca at a depth of 118 kilometers, but no significant damage was reported.
Chile is renowned for its seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The country has experienced some of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history, including the 9.5 magnitude quake in Valdivia in 1960, the most powerful ever recorded. In 2010, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami resulted in over 500 fatalities.
Significant Earthquakes in Chile’s History:
- 1965: 7.4 magnitude in La Ligua, 400 deaths
- 1971: 7.5 magnitude in the Valparaiso region, 90 deaths
- 1985: 7.8 magnitude offshore Valparaiso, 177 deaths
- 1998: 7.1 magnitude near the coast of northern Chile
- 2002: 6.6 magnitude at the Chile-Argentina border
- 2003: 6.8 magnitude near the coast of central Chile
- 2004: 6.6 magnitude near Bio-Bio, central Chile
- 2005: 7.8 magnitude in Tarapaca, northern Chile, 11 deaths
- 2007: 7.7 magnitude in Antofagasta, northern Chile, 2 deaths
- 2007: 6.7 magnitude in Antofagasta
- 2008: 6.3 magnitude in Tarapaca
- 2009: 6.5 magnitude offshore Tarapaca
Safety Tips During an Earthquake:
- Stay calm and reassure others around you.
- If indoors, seek shelter under a sturdy desk, table, or bed, and stay clear of windows and glass panes.
- Do not rush outside; this can cause injuries or stampedes.
- If outdoors, move away from buildings, utility wires, and avoid moving vehicles.
- Ensure pets and animals are safe and in the open until the shaking stops.
- Avoid using candles or matches and extinguish any flames.
For real-time updates and safety information, it’s important to stay informed through reliable sources and follow local emergency guidelines.
