A magnitude 5.2 earthquake shook the Tarapacá Region at 00:11 this Wednesday, October 14. The epicenter was located 19 kilometers southwest of Iquique, at a depth of 46 kilometers.
La Tercera reported this based on data from the National Seismological Center (CSN) at the University of Chile. The agency's official X account, @Sismos_CSN, posted the record at 00:11:09, with coordinates of latitude -20.33 and longitude -70.29.
At the time of publication, there were no official reports of injuries or damage to infrastructure or basic services associated with this earthquake.
About four hours earlier, at 20:26 on Tuesday, October 13, another earthquake was felt in the north of the country. According to Meganoticias, which cited the CSN, that earthquake had a magnitude of 4.1 and was located 71 kilometers north of Calama, in the Antofagasta Region. The outlet reported a depth of 123 kilometers, while another published report placed the focus at 99 kilometers. In that case, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) had not reported any injuries or disruptions to basic services.
Seismic activity is frequent in Chile, as the country lies on the boundary between the Nazca and South American plates. Most of the earthquakes recorded daily are too weak to be felt.
During a stronger earthquake, Senapred recommends staying calm, seeking shelter under or beside a sturdy object, and shutting off electricity, water and gas. On the street, the advice is to move away from buildings, utility poles and cables. Those driving through a tunnel, across a bridge or along a highway should slow down and stop after leaving that roadway.
The CSN maintains an updated record of earthquakes occurring in the country on its X account.
