Seismic Swarm Marks New Year in Chile

Seismic Swarm Marks New Year in ChileSantiago de Chile, Jan 4. -Thousands of people in coastal areas of southern Chile woke up Monday fearing new aftershocks of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit the country on Sunday.

Though the National Emergency Office ruled out the possibility of a tsunami resulting from the strong tremor in La Araucania region at 17:20 local time, coastal residents decided to evacuate.

The Seismology Service of the University of Chile said another 4.9-magnitude quake shook La Araucania today at 02:30 hours local time, with the epicenter located 95 kilometers (about 59 miles) southwest of Temuco, about 680 kilometers (422.5 miles) south of the capital.

More than 10 tremors marked the beginning of the new year in Chile.

This seismic swarm, as experts call this series of tremors, was perceived in the regions of Biobio, Maule, O'Higgins, La Araucania, and Los Lagos. No material damage or victims were reported.(Prensa Latina)