On Thursday, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck near Antofagasta, Chile, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake hit at 9:51 p.m. local time and was located 265 kilometers east of the coastal city of Antofagasta, at a depth of 128 kilometers.
Details of the Earthquake
– Location: 41 kilometers southeast of San Pedro de Atacama, 265 kilometers east of Antofagasta
– Magnitude: 7.3
– Depth: 128 kilometers
– Time:9:51 p.m. local time
– Damage: No immediate reports of damage
– Tsunami Warning:No tsunami warning issued as of now (according to AFP)
Recent Earthquake History in Chile
Chile is known for its seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire.” The country has experienced some of the strongest earthquakes in history, including:
– 1960: 9.5 magnitude earthquake in Valdivia (strongest ever recorded)
– 2010: 8.8 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in Chile, which killed over 500 people
Other significant quakes include:
– 1965: 7.4 magnitude in 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
– 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 in Antofagasta, 2 dead
– 2007: 6.7 magnitude in Antofagasta
– 2008: 6.3 magnitude in Tarapaca
– 2009:6.5 magnitude offshore Tarapaca
Some tips that can help you to stay safe during an earthquake:
– Stay Calm: Keep calm and reassure those around you.
– Find a Safe Place: Move to an open area away from buildings.
– If Indoors: Take cover under a desk, table, or bed. Stay away from windows and glass.
– Avoid Rushing: Don’t rush to leave the building to avoid stampedes.
– If Outdoors: Move away from buildings, utility wires, and stop vehicles.
– Take Care of Pets: Let your pets run free to avoid injury.
– Avoid Flames: Do not use candles or matches, and put out any fires
