 "Earthquake of 6.1 magnitude struck early in the morning, alert issued – News-Patiala Punjabi")
Strong tremors were felt in the Antofagasta region near Calama, Chile. It is in Chile South America. The European Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) has given information about this earthquake. The epicenter was 84 km northwest of Calama and at a depth of 104 km below the Earth’s surface. So far there is no official news of loss of life or property due to this earthquake. The most powerful earthquake in history has been recorded in Chile.
There have been several strong earthquakes in Chile before. According to experts, there may be a risk of an aftershock after this earthquake. Government and disaster management agencies are monitoring the situation.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck Antofagasta, Chile on Thursday, reports Reuters citing the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). pic.twitter.com/ZdEUf2e26z
— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2025
How does an earthquake occur?
Let us tell you that the main cause of earthquake is the collision of plates inside the earth. There are seven plates inside the Earth that are constantly rotating. When these plates collide, a fault line zone is formed and the surface corners. As the corners of the surface bend, pressure builds up there and the plates begin to break. As these plates break apart, the energy inside finds its way out, causing the earth to shake and what we call earthquakes.
Earthquake intensity
Earthquakes with a magnitude less than 2.0 on the Richter scale are classified as micro. Such earthquakes are not felt. 8,000 earthquakes of the micro category on the Richter scale are recorded daily worldwide. Similarly, earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.0 to 2.9 are classified as minor. 1,000 such earthquakes occur every day.
We usually don’t feel it. Very mild earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 to 3.9 are recorded 49,000 times a year. These are felt but rarely cause any harm. Mild earthquakes measuring 4.0 to 4.9 on the Richter scale are recorded around 6,200 times a year worldwide. These shocks are felt and due to them the household furniture is seen moving. However, they are equally damaging.
What to do when there is an earthquake?
1- As soon as you feel the tremors of an earthquake, immediately get out of your house or office and move to an open place without any delay. Stay away from large buildings, trees, power poles etc.
2 – Never use the elevator to go out. Just try to reach down the stairs.
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3 – If you are in a place where it is useless to go out, find a place nearby where you can hide under to protect yourself. Be careful not to run away during an earthquake, as this will increase the chance of damage.
4 – During an earthquake, stay away from windows, shelves, fans and heavy objects placed on top so that you don’t get injured by them falling and breaking glass.
5 – Get under sturdy furniture like table, bed, desk and hold its legs tightly so that it does not slip due to movement.
5 – Get under sturdy furniture like table, bed, desk and hold its legs tightly so that it does not slip due to movement.
6 – If there is no strong object, then sit on your knees with a strong wall covering the sensitive parts of the body like head, hands etc. with pearl book or something strong.
7 – Do not stand near opening or closing doors, otherwise you may be injured.
8 – If you are in a car, stop the car on the side of the road or in an open field away from buildings, hoardings, pillars, flyovers, bridges etc. and wait until the earthquake stops.