Two shallow M6.0 earthquakes hit near the coast of Atacama, Chile

A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit near the coast of Atacama, Chile at 01:01 UTC on July 4, 2021. The quake was followed by another M6.0 at 01:29 UTC and hundreds of aftershocks. Both quakes struck at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), according to the USGS. Chilean CSN registered them as M5.9 at a depth of 24.1 km (14.9 miles) and M5.8 at a depth of 34.5 km (21.4 miles).

The epicenters were located about 90 km (55 miles) WSW of Vallenar, Atacama and 133 km (83 miles) NNW of La Serena, Coquimbo.

There are about 68 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

2 000 are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 73 000 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 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.

Minor damage has been reported.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google