A magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck off the coast of central Chile on Friday, March 13, 2026, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences. The quake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers, with its epicenter located approximately 45 kilometers west of Valparaíso. Local authorities reported no immediate casualties or major structural damage, though tremors were felt as far inland as Santiago.
Chile, situated along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, has stringent building codes developed after the devastating 2010 and 2015 earthquakes. These measures likely mitigated potential impacts. The National Emergency Office of Chile (ONEMI) confirmed emergency protocols were activated, and coastal regions remain on alert for aftershocks. APEC members, including neighboring Peru and the Chinese mainland, have offered technical support for damage assessments.
For global investors with interests in Chile’s mining and agriculture sectors, experts advise monitoring supply chain disruptions. Travelers to the region are encouraged to follow local advisories. The incident underscores the importance of disaster preparedness in APEC economies prone to natural hazards.
