A strong earthquake struck Chile’s important mining region of Antofagasta on Monday afternoon, disrupting operations at some mines but ultimately sparing lives and critical infrastructure, authorities said.
The magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit the heart of the world’s biggest copper-producing country, though major miners reported limited damage. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the earthquake’s depth at 109 kilometers.
No tsunami threat or major injuries reported
Authorities in Santiago said there were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage.
“The threat of a tsunami affecting the Chilean coast has been ruled out,” said Felipe Plaza of Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) in a video shared on X.
Footage broadcast by TVN showed products falling from supermarket shelves during the shaking.
🔴 Un fuerte sismo de magnitud 6.9 se registró este lunes a las 17:52 horas en la región de Antofagasta, en la zona norte de Chile. pic.twitter.com/WuMQxOHBvD
— Meganoticias (@meganoticiascl) May 25, 2026
Thousands affected by power outages
According to reports from TVN, around 27,000 households have so far been affected by power cuts following the quake.
Local media reported that the tremor was felt across the regions of Arica, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, and Atacama.
Chile among world’s most seismic countries
Chile is considered one of the most seismically active countries in the world due to the convergence of three tectonic plates beneath its territory. Residents are generally accustomed to earthquakes, with concern usually rising when tremors exceed magnitude 7.
In 1960, the country was struck by the strongest earthquake ever recorded, measuring 9.5 magnitude. The city of Valdivia suffered devastating destruction and around 9,500 people lost their lives.
In 2010, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami that killed more than 520 people.
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