Chile marks anniversary of 2015 Coquimbo earthquake

Chile marks the anniversary of the devastating 8.4 magnitude Coquimbo earthquake that occurred on September 16, 2015. The tremor, which lasted over three minutes, had its epicenter 46 kilometers northwest of Canela Baja and was felt across much of the country, including parts of Argentina.

The earthquake triggered a tsunami with waves exceeding four meters in coastal areas such as Coquimbo and Tongoy, damaging infrastructure, ports, and housing. Despite the intensity, the official death toll was 16, a figure attributed to strict anti-seismic regulations and the rapid evacuation of over one million people.

In related seismic activity, the National Seismological Center of the University of Chile has recorded various tremors across the country. Authorities from Senapred continue to advise citizens on safety protocols, such as seeking seismic protection, cutting off utilities, and staying away from buildings and power lines during movements caused by the interaction of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates.