Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake Strikes Northern Chile Without Casualties

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit northern Chile, with no injuries or damage reported. The quake’s epicenter was 104 kilometers southwest of San Pedro de Atacama and occurred at a depth of 93 kilometers. Authorities stated that it did not pose a tsunami threat and evaluated potential damage.

On Thursday, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurred in northern Chile, yet there were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the quake’s epicenter was located approximately 104 kilometers (64 miles) southwest of San Pedro de Atacama, a small town near the Bolivian border.

The earthquake struck at 12:21 p.m. local time and had a depth of 93 kilometers (58 miles). Chile’s national disaster agency categorized the earthquake as of “medium intensity” and announced plans for ongoing evaluations to assess any potential damage. Fortunately, the earthquake did not meet the criteria to warrant a tsunami warning along the coast.

Chile, situated in the “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent seismic activity due to the collision of tectonic plates beneath the Pacific Ocean. The nation still bears the scars of a catastrophic magnitude 8.8 earthquake in 2010, which resulted in a devastating tsunami and claimed 526 lives. In response, Chilean authorities have implemented improved emergency protocols and incorporated shock-absorbing technology in buildings to minimize damage and avert structural failure.

In summary, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake shook northern Chile without causing injuries or damage, and no tsunami warning was issued. The government continues to monitor the situation post-incident. The country remains diligent in its disaster preparedness, reflecting on past calamities and enhancing safety measures.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com