Alarming analysis by geographer: Alert of possible "giant" earthquake in northern area

During today's broadcast of the morning show "Contigo en la Mañana," the renowned geographer Marcelo Lagos raised alarms by analyzing the magnitude 7.3 earthquake that recently shook the northern region of the country. In his statements, the expert warned about the possibility of a "giant" earthquake occurring in the same region, pointing out that there has been a concentration of seismic activity in the area. Lagos began his intervention by emphasizing that a magnitude 7.3 earthquake should not be taken lightly, explaining that these types of events are indicators that the accumulated energy in the tectonic plates is seeking to be released. He also highlighted that the epicenter of a possible large-scale earthquake would be forming in the coastal area, specifically in the interplate region. The geographer referred to the recent earthquake in Peru as a precedent that could be related to seismic activity in Chile, warning that both events could be connected. In this sense, he stressed that the northern region of the country has experienced a concentration of seismic movements in recent weeks, increasing the probability of a larger magnitude event. In his analysis, Marcelo Lagos indicated that the recent earthquake, despite its strength, does not correspond to the large-scale earthquake expected in the region, as it occurred in an internal and deep area. According to his words, true large magnitude earthquakes usually occur on the coast and are characterized by their intensity, being a clear indication of the latent seismic threat throughout the national territory. The expert emphasized the importance of being prepared for the possibility of a large-scale seismic event, recalling that in the past, earthquakes of magnitudes close to 9 have been recorded in northern Chile and southern Peru. Although these events occurred over a century ago, he pointed out that the accumulated energy in the region remains a current concern, especially in the stretch from southern Iquique to the Mejillones Peninsula. In this context, the call for prevention and the adoption of safety measures becomes essential, given the latent risk of a possible "giant" earthquake on the country's coastal area. Authorities and the general population must be alert and prepared to face a seismic crisis scenario, considering the lessons learned from previous events and the information provided by experts like Marcelo Lagos. Faced with the uncertainty and the warning about the possibility of a large-scale earthquake in the northern region, it is imperative to strengthen emergency protocols and promote public awareness regarding seismic prevention. The responsibility of protecting the lives and safety of the population lies in preparation and anticipation of natural events of this magnitude, whose occurrence cannot be accurately predicted, but whose effects can be mitigated with proper planning and response.