Strong and shallow M6.6 earthquake hits near the coast of Maule, Chile

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the CSN Chile as M6.6 hit near the coast of Maule, Chile at 15:57 UTC (10:57 local time) on September 29, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 30.9 km (19.2 miles). USGS is reporting M6.8 at a depth of 16.5 km (10 miles), EMSC M6.6 at a depth of 2 km (1.2 miles).

The epicenter was located 68 km (42 miles) WSW of Constitucion (population 37 917), 92 km (57 miles) NW of Cauquenes (population 31 362) and 128 km (79 miles) N of Tome (population 46 698), Chile.

There are 110 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

69 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 943 999 moderate and 11 314 000 light.

There are no tsunami warnings, watches or advisories in effect.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

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 tsunamis and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: USGS