A major magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck northern Chile on Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey. No tsunami warning was immediately issued. The epicenter of the tremor was located 164 miles (265 kilometers) east of the coastal city of Antofagasta, at a depth of 78.5 miles (126 kilometers). Chile is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.
This region is known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In 2010, an 8.8-magnitude quake unleashed a tsunami that swept away entire villages in the south and center of Chile, leaving about 520 people dead. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes mountain range to the east, Chile is one of the most seismically active countries in the world.
The epicenter of Thursday’s earthquake was located about 50 miles from Chile’s border with Argentina, and less than 20 miles from its border with Bolivia. The earthquake was felt across the region, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. However, authorities are continuing to assess the situation and potential impacts.
