MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Tremor in northern Chile felt nationwide poses no tsunami risk, authorities say

Each year, Chile experiences numerous earthquakes, though most are of low or moderate intensity and do not pose a significant threat

A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Chile's Atacama Region Friday at 1.15 pm local time. The epicenter was located 63.49 km west of Chañaral, at a depth of 33 km. So far, no damage to people or infrastructure has been reported, although the tremor was felt in several areas.

Authorities are monitoring the situation and advising residents to remain calm and follow emergency guidelines since aftershocks are not to be ruled out. The Chilean Navy's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) assessed the possibility of a tsunami but has not issued any alerts.

Chile's National System for Disaster Prevention and Response (Senapred) is assessing the impact on people and infrastructure. Currently, 23,000 customers in the Atacama Region are without electricity, explained Senapred's Deputy Director of Emergency Management, Miguel Ortiz. In addition, landslides have been reported and are being monitored, he also pointed out.

The Pacific Ocean Ring of Fire is known for its intense seismic and volcanic activity due to the interaction of several tectonic plates, particularly the Nazca Plate, which subducts (slides beneath) the South American Plate, causing frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Each year, Chile experiences numerous earthquakes, though most are of low or moderate intensity and do not pose a significant threat. However, the country has also suffered devastating tremors, like the 8.8-magnitude one in February 2010, which caused 525 deaths and triggered a tsunami that affected several coastal areas.