Kathmandu, May 26
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). However, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.
According to the US agency, the earthquake occurred in the Atacama Desert region, around 31 kilometres from the city of Calama, at a depth of about 100 kilometres (63 miles) below the surface.
Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service said there was no tsunami threat from the quake and no reports of injuries or serious damage had been received so far.
Local media reported that tremors were felt in the regions of Arica, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, and Atacama.
The South American nation of Chile is among the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. Chileans generally do not consider earthquakes below 7.0 magnitude to be a major cause for concern.
Chile lies at the convergence of three tectonic plates — the Nazca, South American, and Antarctic plates — making the country highly vulnerable to frequent earthquakes.
In 1960, the southern Chilean city of Valdivia was devastated by a massive 9.5 magnitude earthquake, regarded as the strongest earthquake ever recorded in history. Around 9,500 people were killed in the disaster.
Similarly, in 2010, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck central coastal Chile, triggering a tsunami that killed more than 520 people.
