A strong earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck northern Chile on Friday, causing brief but widespread disruptions across several communities. The tremor, which occurred at 1:15 pm local time, was centered near the Atacama Desert coast at a depth of 76 kilometers, according to data from the US Geological Survey. Though powerful, the quake resulted in no reported casualties, offering a measure of relief to residents and emergency responders.
Initial impacts included minor structural damage to buildings and widespread power outages that left more than 20,000 people without electricity. Utility teams have since begun restoration efforts in affected areas. Small landslides were also triggered in hilly regions, but authorities report that none posed serious threats to communities or major transport routes. Monitoring continues in these zones to assess any evolving risks.
Chile’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service quickly assessed the situation and confirmed there was no tsunami threat. The agency’s swift analysis helped prevent unnecessary alarm along the country’s vast Pacific coastline.
National disaster response teams, led by Deputy Director Miguel Ortiz, coordinated with local agencies to survey damage and provide support. Ortiz noted that despite the intensity of the quake, infrastructure held up well, and emergency protocols were activated efficiently.
President Gabriel Boric addressed the public soon after the quake, reassuring citizens that there were no fatalities and that all necessary resources were being mobilized to handle disruptions. He praised the preparedness of regional authorities and urged residents to remain cautious as aftershocks could still occur.
Chile, located along the seismically active “Ring of Fire,” is no stranger to earthquakes. The country has implemented rigorous building codes and early warning systems over the years, which experts believe contributed to minimizing the impact of this event. The government emphasized that continued investment in disaster preparedness and public awareness is key to managing future incidents.