Last Friday night, December 13, the central region of Chile felt the earthquake of magnitude 6.3, 114 km deep.
Without victims or structural damage, the phenomenon was felt in eight different regions of the country, including the capital Santiago, and its epicenter was 51.57 km from Curicó, in the region of Maule.
In July of this year, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit the region near the Atacama Desert, on the border of Chile and Bolivia.The impact would be so great, at the time, that residents of São Paulo and minas Gerais even reported that they also felt the tremor.
But historically, earthquakes in Chile are nothing new.
historic earthquakes of Chile
according to the CSN (National Seismological Center of the University of Chile), since February 1570, the country has recorded many large earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 7 and at different depth levels.
If for the Mapuche culture the phenomenon was a sign of cosmic imbalance and for the Catholic tradition, divine will or punishment, science explains that its frequency in the country is due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, known as one of the is unstable. and seismic conditions around the world.
The first record goes back to February 8, 1570, when a tsunami hit the coastal city of Concepción from which the population, warned in advance, managed to escape without death.
Great earthquakes would be seen in the following centuries,also in Chile,such as the one in May 1647,which left santiago in ruins and suffered an economic crisis; and the one of the year 1730,which is considered the largest in the central zone of the country,with effects on sectors such as La Serena and Chillán.
The biggest earthquake in the world
The highlights of the 19th century were the earthquakes of 1822, which reached magnitude 8.5, in the central zone of the country, and 1835, in Concepción and Talcahuano. Not to mention the tsunami in southern Peru in 1868 and in
Though,the 20th century would show,from the early years,that it would be a season of critically important seismic activity,like 1906,which is considered one of the most disastrous of the republican era. That year, Valparaiso, the main financial and commercial center of the country, was almost entirely destroyed, reduced to rubble and with thousands of deaths.
The century continued with the earthquakes in Atacama (1922), Talca (1928), chillán (1939), the Southern Region (1949) and Calama (1950).
Though, the biggest earthquake, not only in Chile but in the world, occurred in 1960, with a magnitude of 9.5, in the provinces of Cautín, Valdivia, Osorno, Llanquihue and Chiloé, with serious damage to cities and changes in the geography , because of. with the resulting tsunami which caused a succession of huge waves to destroy coastal cities.
In the video below, you can see the boat trip that the Travel in Tariff It was made in a flooded forest on an inland branch of the Chepu River, a consequence of this powerful earthquake in 1960, whose epicenter was in the city of Valdivia and which changed the course of the rivers of Chiloé.
The 20th century continued rocking with other earthquakes such as the one in March 1965, in La Ligua (7.4); July 1971, from Antofagasta to Valdivia (7.8); 1985, size 8, in the central area of the country; and another also with a magnitude of 8.0, in Antofagasta, in July 1995.
Though, the one in February 2010 would be considered the second most destructive in the history of Chile, an earthquake of magnitude 8.8, in many areas of the country, including in the remote archipelago of Juan Fernández, 670 km from coast of Chile.
The earthquake, followed by a tsunami, killed 521 people and left 56 missing.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and seismology Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today,we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Mariana Torres,a seismology expert from the National Seismological Center of the University of chile. Dr. Torres, thank you for joining us!
Dr.Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Just last Friday, Chile experienced a magnitude 6.3 earthquake. It truly seems that this was a relatively mild tremor with no victims or structural damage reported. What can you tell us about the importance of this earthquake?
Dr. Torres: This earthquake was indeed significant in terms of its depth and location. At 114 km deep, it’s classified as a deep-focus earthquake. While residents in the affected regions—eight in total, including Santiago—felt the tremor, the depth helped to minimize potential damage.
Editor: this wasn’t Chile’s first encounter with seismic activity in recent times, was it? Earlier this year, there was a stronger 7.4 magnitude quake near the Atacama Desert. How do such events affect the communities in these regions?
dr. Torres: You’re correct; the 7.4 magnitude earthquake certainly had a more profound impact. When such powerful tremors occur,it not only shakes buildings but also instills fear in the population.In fact, reports indicated that shaking was felt as far away as São paulo and Minas Gerais in Brazil.The emotional and psychological toll on communities can be significant, even if physical damage is limited.
Editor: Speaking of ancient context, Chile has a long history of earthquakes, some of which have been devastating. Can you elaborate on this?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. Since 1570, Chile has recorded numerous earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7. The country lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the most seismically active places on Earth. While some cultures, such as the Mapuche, view earthquakes as signs of cosmic imbalance, others interpret them through different lenses, from divine will to natural occurrences explained by science.
Editor: That brings to light the fascinating interplay between science and cultural interpretations of earthquakes. How does modern science help in understanding and managing such natural phenomena?
Dr.Torres: Modern science, particularly the advancements in seismology, has improved our ability to monitor seismic activity and predict potential risks. Techniques such as GPS monitoring and real-time data analysis during tremors allow us to understand the mechanics behind earthquakes better and help develop early warning systems, which can save lives.
Editor: It’s remarkable to see how science evolves alongside history. What are the implications of recent seismic activities for future preparedness in Chile?
Dr. Torres: Each earthquake, whether minor or significant, serves as a reminder for us to stay vigilant. Continuous education about earthquake preparedness, investing in infrastructure that can withstand seismic forces, and developing efficient communication strategies are paramount. With Chile’s history, we can learn and adapt to ensure our communities are better protected in the future.
Editor: Dr. Torres, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s always enlightening to hear from experts like you, especially on such a vital subject for Chileans.
Dr. Torres: Thank you! I appreciate the prospect to discuss this crucial topic. It’s essential that we remain aware and prepared as we live in such a dynamic geological habitat.
