A strong and extensive earthquake centered in Chile was felt in Mendoza and San Juan
A powerful earthquake in Coquimbo, Chile, was felt in Mendoza and San Juan, Argentina, causing significant alarm among residents.
On Thursday morning at 10:34 AM, a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter scale struck the Coquimbo region of Chile. This seismic event, as reported by the National Seismological Center of the University of Chile and confirmed by Argentina's National Institute of Seismic Prevention (Inpres), had its epicenter situated in the Northern Chico area of Coquimbo at a depth of 54 kilometers. The tremor lasted approximately 50 seconds, causing considerable shaking in the surrounding areas.
In Argentina, particularly in the provinces of Mendoza and San Juan, the earthquake was felt quite intensely, with many residents reporting vibrations that rattled windows, moved lamps, and disturbed water in pools and fish tanks. The impact of the quake prompted alerts among the local populations, emphasizing the interconnected nature of seismic activity between Chile and western Argentina, a region commonly affected by seismic events due to its geographic location.
Local authorities in Mendoza responded to the quake by reinforcing safety measures in public buildings and advising residents to remain cautious. Despite the intense shaking and the alarm felt by the public, there have been no immediate reports of serious damages or casualties; however, the incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding earthquake preparedness in both Chile and Argentina, given their proximity to one of the world's most active seismic zones.