SANTIAGO, 26 May (H.S.): A strong earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck northern Chile early Monday, shaking several regions across the country but causing no immediate reports of deaths or major destruction.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred near the town of Calama in Chile’s Atacama Desert region. The quake struck at a depth of nearly 100 kilometers, which helped reduce the intensity of shaking on the surface.
Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service stated that there was no tsunami threat following the earthquake. Authorities also confirmed that there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage.
Residents in several northern regions, including Arica, Tarapaca, Antofagasta, and Atacama, felt strong tremors. Local television footage showed products falling from shelves inside supermarkets, while people briefly evacuated buildings as a precautionary measure.
Emergency services remained on alert throughout the morning to assess infrastructure and monitor aftershocks. Public transport and mining operations in the region were reported to be functioning normally.
Chile is among the most earthquake-prone countries in the world because it lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where several major tectonic plates meet. The Nazca Plate continuously pushes beneath the South American Plate, frequently triggering seismic activity across the country.
The South American nation has experienced some of the world’s most devastating earthquakes in modern history. In 1960, a massive 9.5-magnitude earthquake struck the southern city of Valdivia, killing thousands of people and generating destructive tsunamis across the Pacific Ocean. Another powerful earthquake in 2010 left more than 500 people dead and caused widespread damage in central Chile.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and follow official safety advisories as aftershocks remain possible in the coming days.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
