Multiple Light to Moderate Earthquakes Reported Across Chile

Widespread Seismic Activity Across Chilean Territory

Chile experienced a series of light to moderate earthquakes on January 17 and 18, 2026, with the highest recorded magnitude reaching 4.1. The seismic events were monitored by the National Seismological Center (CSN) of the University of Chile, which reported activity across various regions of the country. These tremors, common in Chile due to its location on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', were generally of low to moderate intensity, and no significant damage or injuries have been reported.

Key Tremors on January 17

On Saturday, January 17, several notable earthquakes were recorded:

• A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck 25 kilometers southeast of Diego de Almagro in the Atacama Region at 18:55 local time (GMT -3), at a depth of 103 kilometers. This was the strongest tremor reported during the two-day period.
• Earlier, a magnitude 4.0 tremor was registered near Socaire in the Antofagasta Region at 00:57 local time, with a depth of 236 kilometers.
• The Tarapacá Region also experienced a magnitude 3.2 earthquake in the South Pacific Ocean, 39 kilometers north of Iquique, at 08:46 pm local time (GMT -3), at a depth of 74 kilometers.
• Other tremors on January 17 included a magnitude 3.5 quake west of Punta de Choros, and a magnitude 3.0 event southeast of Copiapo, both in the Atacama Region.

Continued Activity on January 18

Seismic activity continued into Sunday, January 18, with several additional light earthquakes:

• A magnitude 3.4 earthquake occurred 63 kilometers southeast of Calama in the Antofagasta Region at 07:19 am local time (GMT -3), at a depth of 115 kilometers.
• Further events included a magnitude 2.9 tremor northwest of Parque Fray Jorge and two magnitude 2.5 quakes, one south of Pica and another in the South Pacific Ocean northwest of Antofagasta.

Official Monitoring and Public Safety

The National Seismological Center (CSN) continuously monitors seismic activity throughout Chile, providing timely updates on magnitudes, epicenters, and depths. The country's robust infrastructure and public awareness campaigns, including civil protection plans and evacuation drills, are designed to mitigate risks associated with frequent seismic events. Authorities emphasize the importance of consulting official sources for information and following safety protocols during and after tremors.