The challenge of earthquakes in the Norte Grande of Chile: Are we prepared for a major earthquake?

On the night of July 18th, northern Chile was shaken by a powerful earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale, causing concern in the regions of Arica, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, and Atacama. This event adds to a series of tremors that have been occurring in the Norte Grande of the country since the end of June, generating uncertainty about the possibility of a major earthquake in the area. In light of this situation, the question arises: What is happening in this region and what are the implications of these seismic movements? The epicenter of the July 18th earthquake was located 20 kilometers south of San Pedro de Atacama, in the region of Antofagasta, at a depth of 166 kilometers, according to reports from the National Seismological Center. This event was felt in various regions of northern Chile, drawing the attention of residents and local authorities. Since June 30th, the area has experienced multiple low-magnitude earthquakes, causing concern among the scientific community and the general population. Luis Donoso, a seismologist and academic in Applied Geophysics at the University of Desarrollo, explained that these earthquakes could be forming a 'seismic nest', a phenomenon characterized by constant seismic activity in a specific area. Although the recorded movements so far have not reached alarming magnitudes, the persistence of seismic activity raises questions about the possibility of a larger event in the near future. Chile, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the most prone areas to seismic activity in the world, due to the movement of tectonic plates in the region. Donoso pointed out that major earthquakes in this area are often associated with plate interactions, which increase tension in the Earth's crust and raise the risk of significant seismic events. Orietta Nicolis, an expert in statistics applied to social sciences, warned of the possibility that the recent earthquakes in northern Chile could trigger a larger earthquake in the future. Despite the lack of clear signals anticipating a significant seismic event at the moment, the high seismic activity in the region and the accumulation of tension in the subduction zone pose a scenario of latent risk. Preparation and response to earthquakes are fundamental aspects in a country like Chile, which constantly faces the threat of earthquakes. Local authorities have issued recommendations to the population to prepare adequately, including developing family emergency plans and reviewing the safety of housing structures. Education, building regulations, and governance are key pillars in mitigating the impacts of earthquakes. Chile has evolved its building regulations over the years, strengthening structures to withstand large earthquakes. The country has an advanced seismic monitoring system and a disaster preparedness culture that has proven effective in past events. However, the unpredictability of earthquakes and the persistence of seismic activity in the region demand constant updating and improvement in response strategies. In conclusion, the seismic movements in the Norte Grande of Chile present challenges and concerns for both the population and authorities. The possibility of a major earthquake in the region remains uncertain, but preparation and collaboration among all stakeholders are essential to face these natural events as effectively as possible. Prevention, education, and planning are key tools to reduce the impact of earthquakes and protect life and infrastructure in one of the most seismic regions in the world.