Central Chile was hit by a strong earthquake with a magnitude measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale that shook buildings in capital Santiago on Saturday. The Chilean Government services said the quake was centered around 50 kilometers north-east of Valparaiso and caused massive power outages in Santiago and other surrounding areas.
Chile is located along what is termed as the Ring of Fire area of the Pacific Ocean basin and is known to be among one of the most seismically sensitive regions in the world.
Nonetheless, there were no immediate reports of serious damages or casualties in Saturday's quake, even as official sources ruled out any tsunami. There were three after-shocks recorded thereafter. Reports say the tremor was felt as far away as southern Chile and western Argentina.
U.S. Geological Survey said the quake recorded on Saturday was some 110 kilometers northwest of Santiago at a depth of about 35 kilometers. Some unconfirmed reports said although the quake was initially indicated with a magnitude of 6.6, it was later downgraded to a magnitude of 6.4.
Media reports also cited copper producer Codelco as indicating its Andina mine functioning within the region of the impact was operating normally. Most of Chile's copper mines are located to the north and has not felt the impact of this quake.
The most powerful ever earthquake to be measured on a seismograph occurred in Chile in 1960. Known as the Valdivia Earthquake or the Great Chilean Earthquake, it was measured at 9.5 on the Moment Magnitude Scale on May 22, 1960, with its epicenter near Canete in Chile. The quake was accompanied by a tsunami, impacting southern Chile, Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, eastern New Zealand, southeast Australia, and the Aleutian Islands.
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