Antofagasta, Chile – A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 struck 265 kilometers east of the coastal city of Antofagasta, Chile, at a depth of 128 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at 9:51 PM local time, and there were no immediate reports of damage.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that no tsunami warning has been issued following the earthquake.
In January, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the northern Chilean region of Tarapaca at a depth of 118 kilometers, with no loss reported at the time.
Chile’s Earthquake Prone History
Chile, located on the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire,” is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. This seismically active region is notorious for frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
Some of the strongest recorded earthquakes in the world have occurred in Chile, including a record 9.5 magnitude quake in 1960 in the southern city of Valdivia. In 2010, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami resulted in more than 500 deaths.
Major Earthquakes in Chilean History:
1965: 7.4 magnitude at La Ligua, 400 dead
1971: 7.5 magnitude in Valparaiso region, 90 dead
1985: 7.8 magnitude offshore Valparaiso, 177 dead
1998: 7.1 magnitude near the coast of northern Chile
2002: 6.6 magnitude at Chile-Argentina border region
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 dead
2007: 7.7 magnitude at Antofagasta, north Chile, 2 dead
2007: 6.7 magnitude at Antofagasta
2008: 6.3 magnitude at Tarapaca
2009: 6.5 magnitude offshore Tarapaca
What to Do During an Earthquake
•Keep calm and reassure others.
•Look for the safest place, such as an open space away from buildings.
•If indoors, take cover under a desk, table, or bed and stay away from glass panes and windows.
•Do not rush to exit the building as it may cause a stampede.
•Move away from buildings and utility wires; stop moving vehicles immediately.
•Ensure pets and domestic animals are free to escape.
•Do not use candles or matches and extinguish all fires.
The latest tremor adds to Chile’s long history of significant seismic activity, underscoring the importance of preparedness and awareness in earthquake-prone regions.
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