A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck the central coast of Chile yesterday, causing panic among local residents.
The earthquake and its aftershocks along the central coast of Chile. Graphic: Myforecast
AFP reported that the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated the earthquake occurred at 8:55 AM local time, at a depth of approximately 15 km, near the coast of the Bio Bio region and about 96 km west of Chile’s second-largest city, Concepción.
The tremor caused panic in several residential areas, but there have been no reports of material damage or casualties. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii also did not issue any alerts.
About 50 minutes after the initial earthquake, an aftershock measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale further alarmed the population. Residents in the coastal city of Lebu, located just about 7 km from the epicenter, were forced to flee their homes.
The panic among local residents is rooted in memories of a devastating earthquake that occurred over a year ago. On February 27, 2010, a massive earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, followed by a tsunami, struck this very region, resulting in at least 524 fatalities and 220,000 people losing their homes, with estimated damages reaching up to $30 billion.
