Chile: Magnitude-5.8 offshore earthquake occurs off Coquimbo Region at around 02:57 May 2

Event

A magnitude-5.8 offshore earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean off Coquimbo Region in northern Chile at around 02:57 May 2. The epicenter was about 41 km (26 miles) southwest of La Serena. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 30 km (19 miles), and weak-to-light shaking was probably felt throughout Coquimbo and southern Atacama regions. 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. 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.