La Rioja earthquake of magnitude 5.4 shakes northwest Argentina

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck the La Rioja province in northwest Argentina on Wednesday morning at 06:21 local time. According to the National Institute for Seismic Prevention (INPRES), the epicenter was located approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Aimogasta, 54 kilometers northeast of Chilecito, and 82 kilometers south of Tinogasta, at a depth of 143 kilometers.

The tremor was felt across several neighboring provinces, including Catamarca, San Juan, and Córdoba. In Famatina, La Rioja, the intensity reached level IV on the Modified Mercalli scale, with reports of hanging objects oscillating. Other areas such as Aimogasta and Chilecito experienced intensities between III and IV, while the cities of La Rioja, San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, and Vinchina recorded level III intensity.

In San Juan and Córdoba, the movement was perceived with lower intensity, ranging between II and III, particularly by residents in high-rise buildings. Despite the regional reach of the earthquake, no injuries or major structural damages have been reported.