A magnitude 6.4 earthquake rattled northern Chile on Friday, with its epicenter located near the coastal city of Coquimbo. The tremor, which struck in the early hours, sent residents fleeing into the streets as buildings shook and alarms blared. Despite the quake's strength, initial reports indicate that the damage was relatively minor, with no immediate casualties reported.
Power outages affected over 20,000 residents, primarily in the Coquimbo and Atacama regions, as utility companies scrambled to restore electricity. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to assess the situation and provide assistance where needed. Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, as aftershocks could follow in the coming days.
Chile, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is no stranger to seismic activity, and its infrastructure is designed to withstand such events. This preparedness likely mitigated the potential for greater damage. The government has emphasized the importance of emergency readiness, reminding citizens of safety protocols in the event of future quakes.
— Authored by Next24 Live