Chile: Magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurs off Araucania Region at around 03:26 Dec. 7

A magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean off Araucania Region in southern Chile at around 03:26 Dec. 7. The epicenter was about 111 km (69 miles) west of Temuco. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 18 km (11 miles), and weak-to-light shaking was probably felt throughout Araucania, Bio-Bio, northern Lagos, southern Nuble, and Rios regions in Chile and parts of western Neuquen Province in Argentina. 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. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.

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.