Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Coquimbo, Chile

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the CSN as M6.1 hit Coquimbo, Chile at 21:53 UTC (18:53 LD) on November 4, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 54.2 km (33.6 miles). USGS is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 49.1 km (30.5 miles), EMSC M6.1 at a depth of 40 km (24.8 miles).

The epicenter was located 28.1 km (17.4 miles) SW of Illapel (population 22 816), 38.3 km (23.8 miles) W of Salamanca (population 13 265), and 71.2 km (23.8 miles) W of La Ligua (population 24 857), Chile.

There are about 200 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

85 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 150 000 weak.

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and rubble/field stone masonry construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: USGS