7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Chile: One Death Reported, Infrastructure Damaged

A powerful earthquake, with magnitude estimates ranging from 7.3 to 7.4, struck northern Chile on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 21:51 local time. The epicenter was located near San Pedro de Atacama in the Antofagasta region, with reports varying from 20 to 265 kilometers east of the coastal city of Antofagasta. The earthquake’s depth was significant, with estimates ranging from 117 to 166 kilometers, which experts note can lead to the quake being felt over a wider area.Initially, there were no reports of casualties or major damage. However, later updates indicated one death related to the earthquake. Some infrastructure damage has been reported, including rockslides on highways, power outages in San Pedro de Atacama, and roadblocks in affected areas. The earthquake was felt across several Chilean provinces including Tarapacá, Antofagasta, Atacama, Coquimbo, Arica, and Parinacota, as well as in parts of Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil.Chilean President Gabriel Boric stated that teams are gathering information, and the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) is evaluating potential damage. The Chilean Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) confirmed that the necessary conditions for a tsunami warning were not met.This seismic event highlights Chile’s vulnerability to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’. The country has a history of significant earthquakes, including a record 9.5 magnitude quake in 1960 and an 8.8 magnitude event in 2010 that caused over 500 fatalities.

Key points

• A 7.

3-7.

4 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile on July 18, 2024, centered near San Pedro de Atacama.

• One death has been reported, along with infrastructure damage including rockslides and power outages.
• The earthquake’s significant depth of 117-166 km led to it being felt across multiple countries.
• No tsunami warning was issued, and Chilean authorities are currently assessing the situation.

Contradictions👾Initial reports indicated no casualties, but later updates reported one death.

👾There are discrepancies in the reported distance of the epicenter from Antofagasta, ranging from 20 to 265 kilometers.