22 Jan 2024 | 11:12 PM UTC
Chile: Magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurs west of Coquimbo Region at 18:30 Jan. 22
Magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurs west of Coquimbo Region at 18:30 Jan. 22. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
A magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurred west of Coquimbo Region in central Chile at around 18:30 Jan. 22. The epicenter was about 91 km (56 miles) west-southwest of the city of Coquimbo and 100 km (62 miles) west-southwest of La Serena. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and moderate shaking was probably felt in parts of Coquimbo, Atacama, and Valparaiso regions of Chile. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible over the coming days.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.
