Earthquake 6.4 Richter hit the north Chile Friday (06.06.205), causing damage to infrastructure and interrupting electricity to over 20,000 homes and businesses.
The US Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred at 1:15 pm Local Chilean time, at a depth of 74 kilometers. The focus of the seismic vibration was near the coast of the Atacama desert.
The earthquake had a focal depth of 104 km. Reportedly, it was also felt in Argentina.
Chile’s hydrographic and oceanographic service said that the earthquake features did not meet the conditions necessary to cause tsunami along the coast of South America.
Video posted on social media show the scary moment when the earthquake hit the area. Shots appear glass windows to detach and fall on the ground and eyewitnesses to run fearful.
Whoahh! Moment the M6.4 earthquake hit Copiapó Mall in Atacama, Chile today pic.twitter.com/STVDGCjpmz
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) June 6, 2025
Serious damage to the Copiapó Cultural Center building after #sism 6.4 that hit #Atacama. #shaking pic.twitter.com/CY87jzJGCR
– Vallenar online (@vallenanline) June 6, 2025
Another video showing the shaking from the M6.4 earthquake that hit Chile earlier
Copiapó, Atacamapic.twitter.com/9WdbtIZxVq
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) June 6, 2025
While the earthquake was felt in several communities in the area of the Atakama Desert, initial reports confirmed that there were no casualties.
Damage reported in Copiapó, Chile after the M6.4 earthquake…pic.twitter.com/eFQShWhuqL
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) June 6, 2025
Chilean President Gabriel Boric told X that his government was in contact with the regional presidential spokesman and confirmed that “no casualties have been reported”.
Miguel Ortith, Deputy Director of the National Disaster Devilment Service, Senapred, said: “Some small landslides have been recorded, which are being monitored and coordinated with municipalities,” he said.