SANTIAGO, Chile: A strong 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile near the Argentine border late Thursday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake caused power outages and rattled homes but, thankfully, no significant injuries or major damage have been reported.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of San Pedro de Atacama, a popular tourist destination on the edge of Chile's northern desert. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 117 kilometers (72 miles), which likely reduced its surface impact. Deeper earthquakes generally cause less surface damage.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric confirmed that his government is monitoring the situation closely, stating, “So far, there are no reports of injuries or major damage.” Additionally, no tsunami warning was issued following the quake.
Online footage showed rocks falling onto a highway connecting the cities of Calama and Tocopilla, east of the quake's epicenter. Local authorities have reported roadblocks in the affected area.
According to experts, the effects of deeper earthquakes are often felt over a larger area. Thursday’s tremor was felt across six provinces: Tarapacá, Antofagasta, Atacama, Coquimbo, Arica, and Parinacota. Chile's emergency services reported at least a dozen aftershocks following the initial quake.
Despite its significant magnitude and the number of displaced objects, researchers from the Chilean Geoscience Network noted that the earthquake was not of major intensity. They reported only minor impacts on infrastructure and no collapsed buildings. Residents found it manageable to stand during the shaking.
Chile, situated on the "Ring of Fire," is particularly prone to earthquakes. The country still remembers the devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake in 2010, which triggered a tsunami and resulted in 526 deaths.
The Geoscience Network also mentioned that Thursday's earthquake was the strongest to hit Chile since a 7.6-magnitude quake in 2016 in the southern part of the country.
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