10 hours ago: Magnitude 6.7 - OFFSHORE TARAPACA, CHILE. 3 hours ago: Magnitude 6.2 - OFFSHORE TARAPACA, CHILE. Earthquake in Chile on Monday, 17 March, 2014 at 04:33 (04:33 AM) UTC. Description A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake shook Chiles northern Pacific shore Sunday, and authorities said more than 100,000 people briefly evacuated some coastal areas as a precaution. Only minor damage was reported. The U.S. Geological Survey originally reported the quake at a 7.0 magnitude but later revised the reading down. The tremor struck offshore about 6:16 p.m. at a depth of 212 1/2 miles. Its epicenter was 37 miles northwest of Iquique, Chile. The USGS said the earthquake was followed by a 5.1 tremor and three 4.9 quakes in the same area. Chiles navy said there had been a possibility of a minor tsunami between the northern towns of Arica and Tocopilla, so authorities urged people to evacuate along a stretch of coast where the Arica and Parinacota region adjoins the Tarapaca region. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there did not appear to be a threat of a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami. Franz Schmauck, Arica and Parinacota regional director of Chiles ONEMI emergency services office, told state TV that no damage was registered except for broken windows on some homes. ONEMIs national director, Ricardo Toro, told reporters later that about 80,000 people were evacuated in the Tarapaca region, 3,000 in Arica and Parinacota region and 22,000 in Antofagasta region. He said the sea had risen only about almost 13 inches. The navy said the evacuation alert was lifted about three hours after the initial quake. We had a fright but were constantly monitoring, Arica and Parinacota Gov. Emilio RodrAguez said. Chile is one of the worlds most earthquake-prone countries. A magnitude-8.8 quake and the tsunami it unleashed in 2010 killed more than 500 people, destroyed 220,000 homes, and washed away docks, riverfronts and seaside resorts.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 08:52:06 +0000
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