Chile Shaken by 6.4 Quake: 23,000 Houses at Risk, Fear Grips Atacama Region

International News: A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Chile’s Atacama region, centered 54.09 km south of Diego de Almagro at a depth of 65 km. The powerful tremor, reported by the US Geological Survey and local outlets l
 on X, affected approximately 23,000 homes, leaving 30,000 residents without power and sparking widespread panic. No casualties or major structural damage were reported, but the quake, felt across Antofagasta and Coquimbo, caused minor infrastructure disruptions and prompted residents to flee their homes. The event, occurring in a seismically active region, has renewed fears of aftershocks and highlighted Chile’s vulnerability along the Nazca-South American plate boundary.

A Region on Edge

The earthquake’s epicenter, located in the remote Atacama Desert, impacted communities like Diego de Almagro (population 18,137) and Copiapó (population 129,280), with 163,000 people experiencing moderate shaking. Videos shared on X by @fdo2000

 captured chaotic scenes at Mall Plaza Copiapó, where shoppers fled in fear, though no injuries were reported. Senapred’s deputy director, Miguel Ortiz, noted minor damage, including power outages affecting 23,000 households and small landslides. The quake’s depth of 65 km mitigated severe destruction, but its intensity alarmed residents in a region accustomed to seismic activity. Chile’s position on the Ring of Fire, where the Nazca Plate subducts under the South American Plate, makes it prone to frequent quakes, with a history of devastating events like the 1960 Valdivia 9.5 magnitude earthquake. Authorities are now monitoring for aftershocks, with @ClimateRe50366
 reporting ongoing seismic assessments to ensure safety.

Response and Resilience

Chile’s robust disaster response system sprang into action, with Senapred coordinating power restoration and structural inspections. Local officials in Atacama, as noted by @MundoPoder_
 on X, reported temporary water supply disruptions and minor rockfalls, but critical infrastructure remained intact. Residents were advised to secure heavy objects and prepare emergency kits, reflecting Chile’s ingrained earthquake preparedness culture. However, the quake has reignited calls for updated building codes and public awareness campaigns, especially in rural Atacama, where older homes are vulnerable. Social media sentiments