Strong M6.2 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile at intermediate depth

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit Antofagasta, Chile at 18:58 UTC on July 27, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 99 km (61 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 78 km (48 miles).

The epicenter was located 56.2 km (34.9 miles) NE of Calama (Population: 143 084), 178.2 km (110.7 miles) E of Tocopilla (population 24 460), and 256.8 km (159.6 miles) NE of Antofagasta (population 309 832), Chile.

176 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 258 000 moderate.

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