Latest news Strong earthquake in Chile

A severe earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 has shaken northern Chile. One man died in the city of Calama, local media reported, citing the authorities. "However, we can rule out the possibility that the death was caused by the collapse of a building or damage to the infrastructure," said Miguel Ballesteros, head of administration for the province of El Loa. "It is more likely that medical reasons led to the man's death."

According to the Seismological Center (CSN), the center of the quake was located in a desert area around 20 kilometers south of San Pedro de Atacama. It occurred at around 10 p.m. local time on Thursday.

The source of the earthquake was located at a depth of around 166 kilometers. According to the authorities of the South American Andean country, there was no danger of a tsunami.

Local media reported minor landslides and power outages in the area.

Chile repeatedly experiences violent earthquakes. The entire west coast of the American double continent lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which is known for its high seismic activity.

A momentous earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 and subsequent tsunami hit Chile in 2010. More than 500 people lost their lives back then.

SDA