Shallow M6.0 earthquake near the coast of Arica, Chile
A shallow earthquake registered by the CSN Chile as M6.0 hit near the coast of Arica at 08:46 UTC (05:46 local time) on December 3, 2019, at a depth of 44 (27 miles). The USGS is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 32 km (20 miles); EMSC M6.0 at a depth of 45 km (28 miles).
The epicenter was located about 40 km (25 miles) WSW of Arica (population 185 999), Chile and 74 km (45 miles) SW of Tacna (population 280 098), Peru.
There are 510 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
135 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 435 000 light.
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 highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and reinforced/confined masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM
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