M6.3 earthquake hits Chile-Argentina border at intermediate depth

m6-3-earthquake-hits-chile-argentina-border-at-intermediate-depth

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit the Chile-Argentina border region at 22:54 UTC on November 30, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 148 km (92 miles). EMSC is reporting it as M6.3 at a depth of 144 km (89 miles). Interestingly, the quake took place at the same time as M6.4 in Tatar Strait, Russia.

The epicenter was located 76.7 km (47.5 miles) WSW of San Antonio de los Cobres (population 4 000), and 172.3 km (106.8 miles) WNW of Salta (population 512 686), Argentina.

There are about 10 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles). 1 605 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

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

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