Strong M6.5 earthquake hits Argentina at intermediate depth
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit Jujuy, Argentina at 16:00 UTC on March 22, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 209 km (130 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.4 at a depth of 220 km (136 miles).
The epicenter was located 84.4 km (52.5 miles) NNW of San Antonio de los Cobres (population 4 000), and 122.4 km (76.1 miles) WSW of Humahuaca (population 11 369), Argentina.
1 751 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.
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
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