Strong M6.0 earthquake hits Chile-Bolivia border region at intermediate depth

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit the Chile-Bolivia border region at 15:20 UTC on December 14, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 110 km (68 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 111 km (69 miles).

The epicenter was located 75 km (47 miles) NNE of Calama (population 143 084), and 158 km (98 miles) ENE of Tocopilla (population 24 460), Chile.

There are 150 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

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.

This general region has seen 3 earthquakes over the past 24 hours, 5 in the past 7 days, and 21 in 30 days.

Earthquakes registered by the USGS in 7 days to December 14, 2020. Credit: TW/SAM, Google

Earthquakes registered by the USGS in 30 days to December 14, 2020. Credit: TW/SAM, Google

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google