A powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile on Friday afternoon, rattling several communities in the Atacama Desert region and causing temporary power outages and minor infrastructure damage.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at 1:15 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located near the coastal edge of the Atacama Desert. The quake struck at a depth of approximately 104 kilometers (64.6 miles), sending tremors across northern Chile and reportedly being felt in parts of neighboring Argentina.

More than 20,000 people were left without power in the immediate aftermath, though emergency services quickly responded to restore utilities and assess potential damage. According to early official statements, there have been no reports of casualties.

Chile’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service confirmed that the quake did not meet the criteria for a tsunami threat along the South American coastline, providing some relief to coastal communities.

Despite its strength, the seismic event caused only limited disruptions, a testament to Chile’s stringent building codes and experience in earthquake preparedness. Authorities are continuing to monitor the region for aftershocks and are urging residents to remain alert.

Chile, located on the seismically active “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent earthquakes and has long invested in infrastructure resilience and emergency planning to mitigate risks from such natural disasters. (ILKHA)