Strong M6.3 earthquake hits Tarapaca-Antofagasta border region, Chile

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit the Tarapaca-Antofagasta border region of Chile at 07:35 UTC (04:35 LT) on September 11, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 40 km (25 miles). EMSC registered it as M6.3 at a depth of 45 km (28 miles).

The epicenter was located 83.6 km (51.9 miles) NNE of Tocopilla (population 24 460) and 131.6 km (81.6 miles) S of Iquique (population 227 499), Chile.

There are about 29 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

2 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 558 000 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 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.

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google