Chilean Ski Resorts Continue To Operate After Earthquake
A massive 8.3-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Chile on Wednesday, September 16, 2015. The quake struck at 7:54 pm about 29 miles west of Illapel on Chile’s central coast. The epicenter was approximately 177 miles NWW of Santiago.
The earthquake occurred at a depth between 11 and 25 km below the surface. BBC News says the quake lasted for over 3 minutes and there have been dozens of aftershocks.
Tsunami warnings have been issued across the Pacific in places like Peru, Chile, New Zealand, California, and Hawaii. Waves in Chile have been reported up to 4.7 meters high near the coastal town of Coquimbo – one of the regions most affected by the quake.
At least 10 people were killed in the tragedy and over 1 million people have been evacuated from the coast, Easter Island, and the archipelago Juan Fernandez. The quake damaged buildings and caused flooding throughout the region.
The earthquake was the result of thrust faulting on the interface of the Nazca and South American Plates. This is the strongest earthquake of the year and the largest in the area in over a century.
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As for the ski resorts, they seem to be open for business. Miguel Purcell of Ski Portillo posted a letter on Facebook stating that everyone is safe and infrastructure is in perfect condition.
Ski Arpa reports that there are probably a lot more rocks on the road than normal, but they are closed for the season. Skiers in Chile can check in on Facebook to let people know they are safe.
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Read more about the details and find updates on the Chile earthquake:
