A magnitude 8.2 earthquake with a
depth of 20.1 km (12.5 miles) struck Chile
on 1st April 2014
at 23:46 . The earthquake, upgraded
by the USGS from a magnitude 8.0 to 8.2 was located 95 km (59 miles) northwest
of Iquique, northern Chile.
According to the USGS the earthquake was a result of thrust faulting at shallow
depths near the Country’s coastline. This earthquake follows on from increased
seismicity in the area over recent days with earthquakes of magnitude 6.7 and
below occurring with same faulting mechanisms.
6 deaths have so far been
confirmed and several injured. 300 inmates in Iquique
escaped jail amongst the chaos caused by the earthquake and 131 have now
returned voluntarily. The Chilean army has been sent to the city to help
relocate the remaining prisoners along with prevent looting.
The earthquake caused damage to
houses, power cuts, fire, landslides and road blockages. Damage has however been
limited considering the size of the earthquake. Several tsunami watches and warnings were
issued in Chile,
Peru, Ecuador,
Colombia, Panama,
Costa Rica, Nicaragua,
El Salvador, Guatemala,
Mexico and Hondorus following
the earthquake, causing thousands along the low-lying coastal areas to evacuate
to higher ground. Most of these watches and warnings have now been lifted after
a 2.1m wave hit some areas around the coast and residents have returned.
Strong aftershocks have followed
on from the earthquake. The true extent of the damage caused will become clear
over the next few hours as assessments are carried out.
Location of the earthquake (Source: BBC)
Intensity of the earthquake (Source: USGS)
Tsunami propagation forecast (Source: NOAA)
(Source: NOAA)
Extent of the damage caused by the tsunami
Extent of the damage caused by the tsunami
Extent of the damage cause by the earthquake
Extent of the damage caused by the tsunami
Fire following the earthquake
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