Chile: 6.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes – Video Shows Shelves Falling

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit northern Chile on Friday (06.06.2023), causing damage to infrastructure and cutting electricity to over 20,000 homes and businesses. The US Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at 1:15 p.m. local time in Chile, at a depth of 74 kilometers. The epicenter was located near the coast of the Atacama Desert. The earthquake had a focal depth of 104 km and was also felt in Argentina. Chile’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service stated that the earthquake’s characteristics did not meet the necessary conditions to trigger a tsunami along the South American coasts. Videos published on social media show the terrifying moment the earthquake hit the area. Footage reveals shelves falling from buildings and eyewitnesses running in panic. Although the earthquake was felt in several communities in the Atacama region, initial reports confirmed no casualties. Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced on X that his government is in contact with the regional presidential representative and confirmed there were no reported casualties. Miguel Ortíz, deputy director of Chile’s national disaster response service, Senapred, said: ‘Some minor landslides have been recorded, which are being monitored and coordinated with municipalities.’