Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits near the coast of Atacama, Chile

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit near the coast of Atacama, Chile at 01:31 UTC on February 14, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 22 km (13.7 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

The epicenter was located 83.8 km (52.1 miles) WSW of Vallenar (population 44 895), and 113.2 km (70.3 miles) NNW of La Serena (population 154 521), Coquimbo Region, Chile.

3 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, another 3 000 moderate and 558 000 light.

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