Very strong and extremely dangerous 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Maule, Chile
Magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck offshore Maule, Chile at 22:37:04 UTC on March 25, 2012 according to USGS. The epicenter was located 32 km (20 miles) NNW (341°) from Talca, Chile (35.198°S, 71.783°W). The recorded depth of epicenter was at 30 km (18.6 miles). Precise reports of magnitude and depth will be added accordingly.
No tsunami warning was issued in first reports after the earthquake.
The epicenter was 215 km (133 miles) NNE (32°) from Concepcion, Chile, 215 km (134 miles) SSW (208°) from SANTIAGO, Chile.
Updates:
ONEMI Chile (National Emergency Office of Ministry of the Interior and Public Security) is reporting MMI values up to VIII (severe shaking).
Big parts of the struck area are now without electricity.
Most agencies have now magnitude values ranging from 5.9 to 7.2. Chile is a very well earthquake prepared country and chilean Vice President Hinzpeter has called for calm.
Mobile communications are very difficult in Santiago but after long trying some work.
Problems are reported along the “Talcahuano-Concepcion” road, some reports mention collapse of the road near Rancagu.
Landslides are reported.
USGS downgraded magnitude from 7.2 to 7.1. Recalculated depth is now set at 34.8 km.
Onemi reports 2 people with light injuries in Maipu and 1 earthquake related car accident with 1 injured person in the BioBio region. This brings the total injured to 6.
A reader from Chile sent us this update: “the sensation was stronger than 27/2/2010, mob phone are down not electricity.” — On February 27th, 2010 Chile had 8.8 magnitude earthquake offshore Bio-Bio.
Universidad de Chile reports 6.8 magnitude earthquake and three aftershocks in less then 2 hours after big one (M 4.6, M 3.8 and M 3.5).
Maule regional office decided to evacuate the region for preventive purpose.
People are saying that the ocean has retreated up to 40 meters. (Expl: Water first pulls back, then returns with force. An excessive or unusual retreat of water in the ocean is the biggest indication of a tsunami).
In a news item made from the offices of ONEMI, Minister Secretary General of Government, Andrew Chadwick, said that the regional ONEMI – The Maule, determined to make a precautionary evacuation in the coastal region due to the observation of recollection sea in the area. The authority stressed that it is a preventive measure to safeguard the security of the population.
| Magnitude | 7.2 |
|---|---|
| Date-Time |
|
| Location | 35.198°S, 71.783°W |
| Depth | 30 km (18.6 miles) |
| Region | MAULE, CHILE |
| Distances |
|
| Location Uncertainty | horizontal +/- 19.8 km (12.3 miles); depth +/- 6.7 km (4.2 miles) |
| Parameters | NST=336, Nph=342, Dmin=24.5 km, Rmss=0.84 sec, Gp= 94°, M-type=regional moment magnitude (Mw), Version=7 |
| Source |
|
| Event ID | usc0008pwq |
Closest active volcanoes in Chile: Villarica (450km) and Puyehue-Cordón Caulle (593 km).
This page will be updated.
Featured image: USGS
Good article TheWatchers…water retreating isn’t a good sign,for any on the coast take precautions just in case.