A strong earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck Chile on Monday, according to the National Seismological Center of the University of Chile. The quake occurred at 5:52 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located 12 kilometers south of Calama city. Initial reports indicated that there were no casualties or major damage following the tremor.

Chile frequently experiences seismic activity due to its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The ongoing collision between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates is the main cause of the country’s regular earthquakes of varying intensities. Historical data show that since 1570, Chile has experienced nearly 100 major earthquakes, about 30 of which had magnitudes of 8 or higher.

According to the national emergency and disaster risk management department, Chile faces at least one earthquake of magnitude 8 or greater every decade on average, underscoring the country’s high seismic vulnerability.