A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck southern Chile on Saturday night. The tremor was recorded at 10:34 p.m., according to reports from the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) and the National Seismological Center.
There is a discrepancy regarding the epicenter's location between agency reports. While the National Seismological Center, as cited by Cooperativa, placed the focus of the quake 41 kilometers west of Lebu, La Tercera reported that the epicenter was located 42 kilometers west of the commune of Angol, in the La Araucanía Region.
Both reports agree that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 42 kilometers. Following the event, the Navy's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) stated that the earthquake's characteristics did not meet the necessary conditions to trigger a tsunami along the Chilean coast.
Intensities recorded by region
The impact of the earthquake varied by location, reaching level V on the Mercalli scale. In the Biobío Region, intensity V was recorded in Concepción, Talcahuano, Coronel, Hualpén, Chiguayante, Nacimiento, Santa Bárbara, Tirúa, Cañete, and Tomé. Towns such as Negrete, Mulchén, Santa Juana, Penco, and Cabrero reported level IV.
In the La Araucanía Region, the movement was felt at intensity V in Temuco, Padre las Casas, Lautaro, Saavedra, Collipulli, and Traiguén. Meanwhile, in the Ñuble Region, level V was recorded in Bulnes, Quillón, Yungay, Trehuaco, San Nicolás, Coelemu, Quirihue, and Ránquil.
The Maule Region also reported tremors, with intensity IV in Colbún and level III in communes such as Cauquenes, Iloca, Llico, Longaví, and Constitución. In the Los Ríos Region, the earthquake was felt at intensity III in Valdivia, while Lanco and Panguipulli recorded level II.
Damage assessment
Senapred indicated that the agency is continuing to evaluate potential damage to individuals, infrastructure, and basic services. The agency detailed that the results of these inspections will be reported through the organization's official incident and emergency reports.
