Very strong M6.4 earthquake hits Chile-Argentina border region
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit the Chile-Argentina border region at 23:38 UTC (20:38 LT) on December 13, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 110 km (68 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. Chile’s National Seismological Center is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 114 km (70 miles).
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 42 km (26 miles) ESE of Molina (population 28 775), 49 km (30 miles) SE of Curicó (population 102 438), and 70 km (43 miles) E of Talca (population 197 479), Maule, Chile.
17 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 150 000 strong and 3 819 000 moderate.
The USGS issued a Yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. Some casualties and damage are possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Past yellow alerts have required a local or regional-level response.
Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of Chile’s GDP.
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/field stone masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.
There are no reports of damage or injuries.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.4 earthquake Chile-Argentina border region – USGS – December 13, 2024
2 M6.4 earthquake Chile-Argentina border region – EMSC – December 13, 2024
3 M6.4 earthquake Chile-Argentina border region – CSN – December 14, 2024
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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.