Maps: 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Chile
A major, 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck in Chile on Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The temblor happened at 9:50 p.m. Chile time about 28 miles southeast of San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, data from the agency shows.
As seismologists review available data, they may revise the earthquake’s reported magnitude. Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.
Aftershocks in the region
An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same general area. Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.
Aftershocks can occur days, weeks or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be of equal or larger magnitude to the initial earthquake, and they can continue to affect already damaged locations.