Strong M6.1 earthquake hits Tarapaca, Chile

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Tarapaca, Chile at 16:47 UTC on December 6, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 102 km (63 miles). The EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 100 km (62 miles).

The epicenter was located 113 km (70 miles) E of Iquique, Chile, and 224 km (139 miles) W of Colchani, Bolivia.

There are about 20 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

1 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 410 000 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 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.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google