Chile’s National Seismological Center (CSN) is monitoring seismic activity across the country on Saturday, August 1, as the nation continues to record tremors in one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions.
Chile sits on the western edge of the South American tectonic plate, where the Nazca and Antarctic plates converge and generate seismic activity. The area forms part of the Ring of Fire.
The strongest earthquake on record in Chile struck Valdivia on May 22, 1960, reaching a magnitude of 9.5.
Measuring Earthquakes
Seismologists use two distinct scales to assess a tremor. The magnitude scale is derived numerically from seismograph readings and reflects the size and energy released during a quake. The intensity scale is assigned according to the damage caused to people and their structures.
Safety Guidance
Specialists advise against using elevators during an earthquake, warning that a lift could detach from its structure and fall from a significant height with passengers inside.
If an official tsunami alert is issued, or if the sea appears to recede, authorities recommend evacuating immediately to higher ground and proceeding to the nearest meeting point. Those who cannot reach higher ground are advised to move to an upper floor or the roof of a solid building.
