A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck Antofagasta in Chile on Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor hit 265 kilometers east of the coastal city at a depth of 128 kilometers. Fortunately, no tsunami warning has been issued at this time. This is not the first earthquake to hit Chile, as the country is one of the most earthquake-prone in the world due to its location on the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire.” In 2010, a devastating 8.8-magnitude quake and tsunami killed over 500 people in the country.
The recent earthquake comes after a magnitude 5.3 quake hit the northern Chilean region of Tarapaca in January. Despite its high frequency of seismic activity, the region has built resilience to such natural disasters. No loss has been reported from the recent quake at this time. Experts urge residents in earthquake-prone areas to be prepared and have emergency plans in place for such occurrences.
Chilean authorities are monitoring the situation closely and providing any necessary assistance to affected areas. The global community is also keeping a close eye on developments in Chile following the earthquake. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
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