Preparation and prevention: Chile faces challenges in the face of increasing seismic activity

On the night of July 18th, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake shook northern Chile, causing concern in the regions of Arica, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, and Atacama. Since late June, the area has experienced multiple tremors, raising doubts about the possibility of a major earthquake. What do experts say and how is the country preparing to face these events? The seismic movement, with its epicenter 20 kilometers south of San Pedro de Atacama in the Antofagasta region, was felt in several regions of northern Chile, causing unease among local residents. This earthquake adds to a series of low-magnitude tremors that have been occurring in the Norte Grande region of the country since late June, raising questions about the possibility of a larger event in the near future. Experts like Luis Donoso, Seismologist and academic in Applied Geophysics at the University of Desarrollo, have pointed out that seismic activity in Chile is due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active zones in the world. This activity is caused by the Nazca Plate sliding under the South American Plate, a phenomenon known as subduction, which generates tension accumulation in the Earth's crust. In the specific case of the Norte Grande region of Chile, Donoso has mentioned that what is observed in the region refers to a 'seismic nest,' a volume of rock where earthquakes occur constantly. Although the earthquakes recorded so far have been of low magnitude, uncertainty persists about the possibility of a larger earthquake occurring in the near future. Dr. Orietta Nicolis, a specialist in Statistics applied to Economic and Social Sciences, has indicated that so far no obvious anomalies have been detected that could predict a large-magnitude earthquake in the region. However, the constant seismic activity and the tension accumulation in the subduction zone suggest that the risk of a major earthquake remains high. The Tarapacá region, where there is high seismic activity due to the subduction of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate, is one of the most vulnerable areas to these types of events in Chile. Despite having an advanced seismic monitoring system, it is essential for the population to be prepared and have emergency plans to cope with possible larger earthquakes. Donoso has emphasized the importance of education, building regulations, and governance as fundamental pillars to face earthquakes in Chile. Population preparedness, proper construction of earthquake-resistant infrastructure, and the implementation of public policies that ensure safety and operational continuity in the face of natural disasters are key aspects in seismic risk management in the country. Despite the uncertainty surrounding seismic activity in the Norte Grande region of Chile, collaboration between scientists, authorities, and citizens is essential to address the challenges posed by the unpredictable nature of earthquakes. Ongoing preparedness, continuous improvement in mitigation strategies, and public awareness of the importance of being prepared for seismic events are crucial elements to confront the reality of living in one of the most seismically active regions in the world.