Chile: 6.2-magnitude earthquake hits Coquimbo (center) April 10

Event

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter scale struck central Chile, near the coast, at 07:20 (local time) on Tuesday, April 10. The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 35 km (22 mi) southwest of the town of Punitaqui (Coquimbo region). Shaking was felt in the Atacama, Coquimbo, Valparaíso, Metropolitana de Santiago (capital), Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, Maule, and Biobío regions. According to the Chilean Ministry of the Interior (ONEMI), there is no risk of a tsunami and no major damage or casualties have been reported. Aftershocks are to be anticipated.

Context

Chile is situated along the Nazca fault and experiences a great deal of seismic activity. Generally speaking, due to stringent building standards and earthquake-resistant construction techniques, the vast majority of earthquakes do not result in any major infrastructural damages or causalities.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to be prepared for aftershocks and to adhere to any advice issued by the Chilean authorities.

During an earthquake, protect your head from falling debris (e.g. under a table) as best you can, move away from widows and exterior walls, and only attempt to evacuate if on the ground floor. After a major earthquake, check buildings for damage, including downed power lines or damaged gas lines, and evacuate until the building is declared safe.