A 6.2 magnitude earthquake shook central and northern Chile at 20:48 local time on Wednesday, according to the National Center for Seismology of the University of Chile. The agency reported the epicenter located 11 kilometers southeast of Tongoy on the Chilean coast, roughly 430 kilometers north of Santiago, the capital. The quake occurred at a depth of 45 kilometers.
The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service, known as Senapred, characterized the tremor as of medium intensity. The movement was felt across a wide stretch from the Atacama region in the north to the Metropolitan region where the capital sits, indicating a broad and noticeable vibration for residents in several major urban areas.
The Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service, SHOA, noted that the seismic event did not meet the criteria for generating a tsunami along Chile’s coast. There were no immediate reports of injuries or widespread property damage, though local authorities urged calm and reminded residents to follow official safety guidance and stay away from damaged structures.
In the hours that followed, emergency services reviewed affected areas for any aftershocks or secondary hazards. Scientists emphasized that a magnitude 6.2 earthquake can produce strong shaking at the surface, even when it occurs at a moderate depth, and that regional building codes in Chile are designed to minimize harm during such events. Seismologists highlighted the importance of rapid information from national networks to help communities assess risk and react appropriately.
Residents across affected zones described feeling a noticeable jolt that lasted several seconds, prompting people to take cover indoors and outside open spaces where safe. Local authorities advised residents to prepare emergency kits, secure heavy furnishings, and identify safe spots in each home or workplace. Community centers and schools conducted quick safety checks to ensure structural integrity and to guide people on the best practices for ongoing seismic activity.
Officials also noted that while this event did not trigger a tsunami warning, coastal residents should remain vigilant for potential aftershocks, which are common after a larger quake. Meteorological and oceanographic services were deployed to monitor any possible transoceanic signals that could indicate changes in sea level or coastal currents. The public was urged to rely on updates from official channels and to avoid spreading unverified information on social media.
Cited sources include the National Center for Seismology and the country’s disaster response agency, with ongoing verification of data as the situation develops. For those living in or traveling through Chile, experts recommend reviewing individual and household emergency plans, staying informed through official briefings, and respecting local advisories about safety and accessibility in urban centers and coastal areas.
This event serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity and the importance of preparedness, even when authorities report no immediate danger to the population. Continuous monitoring remains essential to detect any subsequent tremors, aftershocks, or related hazards that may arise in the hours and days ahead. (Source: National Center for Seismology; Senapred; SHOA)