Chile: Magnitude-6.8 offshore earthquake occurs off central Chile at 1839 Dec. 27

Event

A magnitude-6.8 offshore earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean off central Chile at around 1839 Dec. 27. The epicenter was about 142 km (88 miles) northwest of Valdivia. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and moder-to-strong shaking was probably felt throughout central Chile. The quake likely damaged structures in nearby areas. Aftershocks are possible over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Disruptions could occur during shutdowns. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.

Advice

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.