2015 Chile earthquake
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| Date | September 16, 2015 |
|---|---|
| Origin time | 19:54:33 Chile Standard Time (22:54:33 UTC) |
| Magnitude | 8.3 Mw |
| Depth | 22.4 km (USGS) |
| Epicenter | 31°34′12″S 71°39′14″W / 31.570°S 71.654°WCoordinates: 31°34′12″S 71°39′14″W / 31.570°S 71.654°W |
| Areas affected | Chile Argentina |
| Max. intensity | VIII (Severe) |
| Tsunami | Yes |
| Aftershocks | 13 of 6.0 Mw or higher |
| Casualties |
13 fatalities and 6 missing in Chile 1 fatality and minor injuries in Argentina |
13 fatalities and 6 missing in Chile
The 2015 Illapel earthquake occurred 46 km (29 mi) offshore from Illapel, Chile on September 16 at 19:54:33 Chile Standard Time (22:54:33 UTC), with a moment magnitude of 8.3. The initial quake lasted three minutes, and was followed by several aftershocks greater than magnitude six. The Chilean government reported 13 deaths and 6 missing.
The earthquake occurred on thrust faults along the boundary of the Nazca and South American plates. The region frequently produces large earthquakes, and 15 others of magnitude 7 or higher have taken place within 400 km of the epicenter over the past 100 years.
Illapel, an inland city of some 30,000 residents, was reported immediately to be without electricity or drinking water. Two days after the quake, about 90,000 people were still without electricity. On September 21, officials were reporting over 9,000 people had been left homeless by the quake.
Tall buildings swayed and car alarms were set off in Buenos Aires, 1,110 kilometres (690 mi) away, and the earthquake was felt in São Paulo, more than 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) away. The Argentine provinces of Mendoza, San Juan, Córdoba, Tucumán, La Rioja, San Luis and Santa Fe were also affected.
Tsunami watches, warnings, and advisories were issued in Ecuador, Peru, New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Hawaii, California and Japan. The first tsunami waves arrived on the Chilean coast within minutes. A wave 4.5 m (15 ft) high was observed along the coast of Coquimbo and the cities of Coquimbo, Tongoy and Concón reported flooding; large fishing vessels were swept into the streets of Coquimbo, which reported heavy damage.
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