A strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Chile’s mining-intensive Antofagasta region on Thursday, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake hit at 9:51 PM local time at a depth of 117 kilometers. Its epicenter was located 45 kilometers (28 miles) east-southeast of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.
The US Tsunami Warning System said there was no tsunami risk from the earthquake, which was centered around 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) south of San Pedro de Atacama, according to Chile’s national disaster prevention and response service, SENAPRED.
No immediate reports of damage
SENAPRED announced that it is assessing “possible damages to people, alterations to basic services, or infrastructure due to the earthquake.”
Chilean President Gabriel Boric posted on his X account, “I have already communicated with the regional Delegate and so far there are no reports of major damage but teams are gathering information.”
Chile, situated on the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” frequently experiences earthquakes. In 2010, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake and the resulting tsunami claimed 526 lives.