In northern Chile, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake occurred on Thursday without any immediate reports of injuries or structural damage. Despite the country’s susceptibility to seismic activity, authorities did not issue a tsunami warning following the tremor.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located 104 kilometers southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, a small town positioned near Chile’s border with Bolivia in the arid northern desert, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake struck at 12:21 p.m. local time at a depth of 93 kilometers.
Chile’s national disaster agency classified the earthquake as “medium intensity” and is continuing to assess any potential impacts. They confirmed that the seismic event did not meet the criteria necessary to trigger a tsunami along Chile’s extensive coastline.
Situated along the “Ring of Fire,” a volatile area where tectonic plates intersect beneath the Pacific Ocean, Chile frequently experiences earthquakes and tsunamis. This geological zone extends from Chile through to Alaska, creating a hotspot for seismic activity.
The recent quake prompted reflections on the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake in 2010 which caused a tsunami and resulted in the loss of 526 lives. In the aftermath, Chilean officials have focused on enhancing emergency protocols and equipping buildings with shock-absorbing mechanisms to minimize future damage and avert building collapse.
