Magnitude 6.9 earthquake strikes northern Chile, tsunami threat ruled out

Tuesday 26 May 2026 - 11:15

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Chile on Monday, shaking areas near the city of Calama, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake occurred approximately 30 kilometers east of Calama at a depth of more than 100 kilometers in the Atacama Desert region. Chilean authorities confirmed that no injuries or major damage had been reported immediately after the tremor.

The national emergency service stated that there was no tsunami risk for the country’s coastline, reassuring residents after the seismic event. The tremor was felt across several northern regions, including Arica, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, and Atacama.

Images broadcast by local media showed goods falling from supermarket shelves as the ground shook, highlighting the intensity of the earthquake despite its deep epicenter.

Chile lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where three major tectonic plates converge, making it one of the most seismically active countries in the world. Earthquakes below magnitude 7 are relatively common and often cause limited damage due to strict building regulations.

The country has experienced several major earthquakes in its history, including the devastating 1960 Valdivia earthquake, the strongest ever recorded, and the 2010 earthquake that triggered a deadly tsunami along the coast.