The US Geological Survey has reported a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the northern arid region of Chile. The Chilean National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry has stated that there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake and so far, no reports of human casualties have been received.
The earthquake occurred in the Atacama Desert area, approximately 31 kilometers from the city of Calama, at a depth of roughly 100 kilometers (63 miles) below the surface. Local media reported that the tremors were felt across the regions of Arica, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, and Atacama.
Chile is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in South America. Residents typically consider earthquakes below a magnitude of 7.0 to pose minimal risk. The country is situated at the convergence of three tectonic plates: the Nazca, South American, and Antarctic plates, making seismic activity a regular occurrence.
