Strong M6.8 earthquake hits Antofagasta at intermediate depth, Chile

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.8 hit Antofagasta, Chile at 07:35 UTC (03:35 UTC) on June 3, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 96 km (59 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.8 at a depth of 87 km (54 miles)

The epicenter was located 48.2 km (29.9 miles) SSW of San Pedro de Atacama (population 2 000), 106.2 km (65.9 miles) SSE of Calama (population 143 084), 205.5 km (127.4 miles) ENE of Antofagasta (population 309 932), 226 km (140.1 miles) SE of Tocopilla (population 24 460), and 313.9 km (194.6 miles) NE of Taltal (population 10 018), Chile.

There are about 6 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

11 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 191 000 moderate, and 690 000 light.

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

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 that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google