"Earthquake in central Chile raises concern and activates prevention protocols."

On Thursday afternoon, an earthquake was felt in the central region of the country, causing concern among residents of various localities. According to reports from the National Seismological Center of the University of Chile, the tremor was recorded at 12:47 PM, reaching a magnitude of 3.7 on the Richter scale. Although this quake was not of great intensity, it was felt by the population, especially in the Valparaíso region, where an intensity of IV was reported on the Mercalli scale. The earthquake adds to a series of tremors that have affected the country in recent weeks, including a recent event in the city of Iquique. This pattern of seismic activity has caught the attention of experts and authorities, who emphasize the importance of being prepared for the possibility of stronger quakes. The Metropolitan Region and coastal towns are typically the most affected, given their geographical positioning in a zone of high tectonic activity. The National Disaster Prevention and Response System (Senapred) has activated its assessment protocols to determine any impacts the earthquake may have caused on the population and infrastructure. So far, authorities have not reported significant damage or disruptions to basic services. However, detailed reports are expected to be issued in the coming hours, which will provide a clearer picture of the event's repercussions. The public has reacted calmly to the tremor, although social media has been flooded with messages and comments about the experience. Reactions vary from the natural fear these events generate to the resignation of those who, after years of living with seismic activity, feel that "there's nothing to worry about anymore." Seismology experts stress the need to remain alert and prepared, as seismic activity in Chile is part of the country's geological reality. One of the aspects that concerns authorities the most is infrastructure. Evaluation teams are expected to inspect buildings, bridges, and other critical structures to ensure they have not been compromised by the tremor. Currently, many of these facilities have been designed and constructed to seismic standards, increasing their resilience to earthquakes. In the educational sector, institutions have been instructed to implement drills and training to prepare students for emergency situations. Seismic education is essential in a country where history shows that earthquakes have left deep scars. However, the practice of these exercises seems to have decreased in some localities, which could be a cause for concern in the event of a larger quake. Authorities have also reminded the importance of having emergency kits at home, which should include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and medications. Preparedness is key, not only at the institutional level but also in every household. Living in a seismic zone comes with the responsibility of being ready, especially considering that tectonic activity can be unpredictable. Thursday's earthquake invites reflection on the culture of prevention in Chilean society. Although significant progress has been made in terms of infrastructure and education, there is still work to be done. Resilience to disasters is not only built through laws and regulations but also through a collective awareness that values preparedness as an integral part of daily life. Finally, the scientific community continues to study the seismic phenomenon in the country to better understand its behavior and anticipate future movements. Each earthquake, no matter how small, provides valuable information that can be crucial in mitigating the effects of major disasters. Therefore, attention to these events should not be fleeting but rather part of a constant commitment from both the population and its authorities.