Strong M6.1 earthquake hits Antofagasta, Chile
A strong earthquake registered by the CSN as M6.0 struck 54 km (33.5 miles) south of Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta, Chile, at 16:21 UTC (13:21 LT) on March 6, 2025. The agency reported a depth of 96 km (59.6 miles). The USGS and EMSC reported a slightly higher magnitude of M6.1 and a depth of 94 km (58 miles).
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 104 km (64 miles) ENE of San Pedro de Atacama (population 2 000), 105 km (65 miles) S of Calama (population 143 084), and 138 km (86 miles) WSW of Antofagasta (population 352 638), Antofagasta, Chile.
According to the USGS PAGER, 136 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking, while 539 000 experienced light shaking. No population exposure has been reported for moderate or stronger shaking levels.
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
More than 2 foreshocks were recorded, with magnitudes of 4.2 and depths around 107 km (66.5 miles). These events occurred approximately 14 hours before the mainshock. So far, no aftershocks have been recorded.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses, indicating a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and rubble/fieldstone masonry construction.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M 6.1 – 103 km WSW of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile – USGS – March 6, 2025
2 Magnitude 6.1 – ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE – EMSC – March 6, 2025
3 M6.1 – 54 km south of Sierra Gorda – CSN – March 6, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.