A strong earthquake hit the west coast of Chile on Monday, April 24. The earthquake had a 6.9 magnitude and was also felt in the capital Santiago. The Chile Emergency Service revealed no significant damages. Since the quake occurred in the offshore, it did not cause injuries. The earthquake did not impact North America.
The Earthquake: epicenter and probably Tsunami warning
According to the Geological Survey, the epicenter was located 85 miles away from Santiago, and 22 miles from the west coast of Valparaiso. People closer to the ground looked for places which were higher in level, keeping in mind the 2010 deadly Tsunami.
According to one of the residents, a 26-year-old nurse, the earthquake was short, but the tremors were powerful.
People were running carrying their children. Some even headed for the hills when there was a Tsunami alarm. The Chilean authorities ordered the people near the coastal area to evacuate the place as soon as possible. They suspected an occurrence of Tsunami at 60 miles West of Santiago. Officials lifted the Tsunami concerns. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center highlighted small waves of half a foot in height.
There was a state of panic and terror among the locals. Keeping in mind the 2010 deadly quake, combined with Tsunami, which killed millions, people were anxious. An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 is considered to cause significant damage, which can be widespread.
However, since it had been reported in the offshore areas, the effects were considerably low.
The aftershocks
Right after the earthquake, people in Santiago faced two subsequent aftershocks. The aftershocks were of 5.0 and 5.4 magnitudes. President Michele Bachelet confirmed no possible human loss or damage occurred because of the calamity.
She also appreciated the orderly manner followed by the people to evacuate the place. A spokesperson for the local government shared problems in telephone network connectivity in few places due to the 6.9 magnitude earthquake.
Chile being located on the Pacific Ring of Fire follows an age-old history of few of the deadliest quakes.
This includes the 2010 earthquake accompanied by Tsunami, which led to a widespread destruction. The magnitude was measured to be a devastating 8.8.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the 2010 earthquake is considered the tenth biggest earthquake in history. Chile also holds the record for experiencing the largest earthquake in history, with a 9.5 magnitude in 1960. Chile was also shaken by another major earthquake very during Christmas 2016. This had a magnitude of 7.6 and caused severe damage to roads, structures, and buildings in the country.
