Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits near the coast of Coquimbo, Chile

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit near the coast of Coquimbo, Chile at 01:16 UTC on September 6 (22:16 LT, September 5). The agency is reporting a depth of 30.7 km (19 miles). EMSC is reporting it as M6.3 at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles).

The epicenter was located 46 km (29 miles) NW of Ovalle (population 77 138), 48 km (30 miles) SSW of Coquimbo (population 161 317), and 57 km (35 miles) SSW of La Serena (population 154 521), Chile.

There are about 620 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

28 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 567 000 moderate, and 179 000 light.

The quake took place 365 km (227 miles) south of Atacama's M6.8 on September 1 and a series of aftershocks.

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 and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google