A 5.5 magnitude quake hit near Vallenar on Thursday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The tremor jolted the area at 12:22 UTC (07:22 local time). It occurred at a depth of 9 km with the epicenter approximately 124 km northwest of Vallenar.

Did you feel it?

If you experienced the earthquake, you can report it via the USGS Felt Report form.

Impact and estimated losses

The USGS categorized this as a Green Alert, which means there is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Structure information summary
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.

Closeby region rattled by two tremors over the week

In the past week, the area has experienced two tremors above magnitude 2.5, both centered in the same region. The larger, a 5.2 magnitude event, was registered prior to this quake, while the other, at magnitude 4.3, hit on Jun. 11.

Area struck by 7.1 quake in 1997
Limarí Province has faced powerful earthquakes before. On Oct. 15, 1997, a magnitude 7.1 tremor struck southwest of Monte Patria, at a depth of 36 miles.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey