Chile: Magnitude-5.4 earthquake occurs in Antofagasta Region Jan. 24

A magnitude-5.4 earthquake occurred in Antofagasta Region at around 05:05 Jan. 24. The epicenter was about 41 km (26 miles) northeast of Calama. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 117 km (73 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout parts of central and northern Antofagasta Region and southern Tarapaca Region in northern Chile and into western Jujuy Province in northwestern Argentina and western Potosi Department in southwestern Bolivia. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake, and significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light aftershocks are likely 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.