M6.1 earthquake hits Salta, Argentina at intermediate depth

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Salta, Argentina at 03:54 UTC on January 10, 2021. The agency is reporting a depth of 202 km (125 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 210 km (130 miles).

The epicenter was located 37.5 km (23.3 miles) WNW of San Antonio de los Cobres (population 4 000) and 136.5 km (84.8 miles) W of San Salvador de Jujuy (population 305 891), Argentina.

There are about 19 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

11 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking and 1 634 000 weak.

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