8.2 Earthquake in Chile Causes No Damage or Casualties at the ALMA Observatory
2 April, 2014 / Read time: 1 minute
A magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck northwest Chile at 20:46 local time (23:46 UTC) on Tuesday 1 April 2014. The epicenter was about 95 kilometers north-west of the city of Iquique. The earthquake has caused significant casualties and damage in coastal regions. Large parts of the Pacific coast were evacuated in response to tsunami warnings.
ALMA expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and its sympathy and support for all those affected by the earthquake.
The epicenter was about 500 kilometers from the ALMA Observatory. The quake was felt at the ALMA camp as a prolonged swaying which lasted for about 2 minutes. No damage to any facilities or installations has been reported. The earthquake is affecting staff with families and friends in the north of Chile. Some of the staff at ALMA come from the most affected regions in Iquique and Arica. All staff currently on site have in the meantime been able to contact their family members in the region or being transported last night to their home in Iquique or Arica.
Contact:
Valeria Foncea
Education and Public Outreach Officer
Joint ALMA Observatory
Santiago, Chile
Tel: +56 2 467 6258
Cell: +56 9 75871963
Email: [email protected]