LOS ANDES DEPARTMENT, Salta Province — A 5.9 magnitude quake was recorded close to San Antonio de los Cobres Thursday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

It was reported that a tremor shook the region at 04:10 UTC (01:10 local time). The epicenter was situated about 91 km west-southwest of San Antonio de los Cobres, at a depth of 176 km.

Did you feel it?

You can let the USGS know if you noticed the earthquake by filling out their Felt Report form. The agency has so far received 17 reports via its online form from people who indicate they experienced the quake. According to the USGS DYFI report, weak shaking was detected and people in cities like Iquique and Antofagasta reported feeling the tremor.

Impact and estimated losses

Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. 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.

Historical information
A magnitude 8.0 earthquake 343 km west of this event struck Antofagasta, Chile on July 30, 1995 (UTC), with estimated population exposures of 130,000 at intensity VII and 163,000 at intensity VIII, resulting in a reported 3 fatalities.

Two quakes near San Antonio de los Cobres past week

Over the last week, two quakes above magnitude 2.5 have been centered in the area. Both were registered in the same area with the stronger — a 4.8 magnitude earthquake — rattling three days earlier. The other, measuring 4.4, occurred on August 31.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey