Strong and shallow M6.7 earthquake hits off the coast of Los Lagos, Chile

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.7 hit off the coast of Los Lagos, Chile at 21:39 UTC on December 27, 2020 (18:39 LT). The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. CSN Chile is reporting M6.7 at a depth of 26.5 km (16.4 miles). 

The epicenter was located 140 km (87 miles) WSW of Corral (population 3 500), 152 km (94 miles) WSW of Valdivia (population 133 314), and 154 km (96 miles) WSW of Las Animas (population 30 000), Los Rios Region, Chile.

There are about 4 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

6 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 853 000 light.

Preliminary data by CSN Chile mentions no damage to people, alteration to basic services or infrastructure as a result of this earthquake.

SHOA indicates that the characteristics of the earthquake do NOT meet the necessary conditions to generate a tsunami off the coast of Chile.

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

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.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google