Bolivia's Earthquake History And Risk Explored

Bolivia is a country with a moderate level of seismic activity. On average, the country experiences about 1,600 earthquakes per year, with magnitudes ranging from 2 to 5 and above. In recent years, there have been several notable earthquakes in Bolivia, including a magnitude 8.2 earthquake in 1994, which was the largest earthquake since the 1977 Sumba earthquake at the time. More recently, in April and July of 2024, the country experienced earthquakes of magnitudes 5.0 and 4.6, respectively. These earthquakes caused light shaking and were felt in several departments in Bolivia, as well as in neighbouring countries such as Chile and Peru. While there were no initial reports of damage or casualties, authorities may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure to check for damage, and utility outages are possible near the epicentres.

Recent earthquakes near Bolivia

Bolivia has a moderate level of seismic activity, with about 1,600 earthquakes occurring per year on average. In recent years, the country has experienced several earthquakes, including:

The 1994 Bolivia Earthquake

The 1994 Bolivia earthquake, which occurred on June 9, 1994, was the largest earthquake since the 1977 Sumba earthquake at the time. With a magnitude of 8.2 and a focal depth of 647 km, it was the second-largest earthquake ever recorded with a focal depth greater than 300 km. The rupture occurred within the Nazca plate, and the tremors were felt from Argentina to Canada. While there were unverified reports of five deaths in Peru, the damage in Bolivia was limited to shattered windows in tall structures in some cities.

Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake in 2024

On April 10, 2024, Bolivia experienced an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5, as reported by the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). The quake occurred at a depth of 162 kilometers (100.66 miles). There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

In July 2024, there were several earthquakes near Bolivia, including:

• A 4.6 magnitude earthquake on July 19 in Colchani, Potosí, with a depth of 183 km.
• A 7.4 magnitude earthquake on July 19 in San Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta, Chile, with a depth of 117 km.
• A 4.5 magnitude earthquake on July 15 in Poopó, Oruro, with a depth of 205 km.
• A 4.3 magnitude earthquake on July 13 in Uyuni, Potosí, with a depth of 179 km.

Additionally, in the past 365 days as of July 22, 2024, Bolivia and its surrounding areas experienced 169 earthquakes.

The 1994 Bolivia earthquake

On June 9, 1994, Bolivia experienced a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 8.2, making it the second-largest deep earthquake ever recorded at the time. The earthquake's epicentre was in a sparsely populated region of the Amazon jungle, about 200 miles from La Paz.

The deep focus of the earthquake also meant that there were fewer aftershocks than in more typical earthquakes, which are closer to the surface. The rupture associated with the 1994 Bolivia earthquake occurred on a horizontal plane and extended at least 30 by 50 kilometres. The rupture propagated with a velocity of 1.5 kilometres per second, which is slower than the average rupture velocity of earthquakes.

The earthquake caused limited damage to buildings, with reports of shattered windows in tall structures in several Bolivian cities and unverified claims of damaged buildings in Arica, Chile, and Manaus, Brazil. There were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage following the earthquake. However, there were unconfirmed reports of five people killed in Peru's Arequipa and Cuzco provinces, with many more injured in landslides in other parts of southern Peru.

Earthquakes felt in La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, Bolivia, has felt several earthquakes in recent years, with magnitudes ranging from moderate to strong. Here is a summary of earthquakes felt in La Paz:

On April 10, 2024, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck Patacamaya, La Paz, at a depth of 206 km. This quake was felt in the city and caused no reported damage.

In March 2024, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred in Curahuara de Carangas, La Paz, at a depth of 155 km. This quake was likely felt by residents in the area.

In October 2023, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake was recorded in Curahuara de Carangas, located 13.2 km from the city. This quake may have been felt by locals.

In February 2023, a magnitude 4.1 earthquake shook Challapata, Oruro, which is situated 77.2 km from La Paz. This quake could have been felt in La Paz, depending on its distance from the city.

On December 20, 2023, a strong magnitude 6.2 earthquake occurred in Lluta, Arequipa, Peru, 63.2 km from the city. This quake was likely felt in La Paz and may have caused concern among residents.

In addition to these recent quakes, La Paz's proximity to the Nazca and South American tectonic plates makes it vulnerable to seismic activity. The city felt the impact of the powerful 1994 Bolivia earthquake, which occurred on June 9, 1994, with a magnitude of 8.2. The epicentre was located about 200 miles from La Paz, and the tremors caused panic and disruption in nearby countries.

Earthquakes in Bolivia today

Recent Earthquakes in Bolivia

As of September 11, 2024, Bolivia has experienced three earthquakes in the past 24 hours, with magnitudes ranging from 2.9 to 4.5. In the past week, there have been 34 earthquakes in the country, with magnitudes ranging from 2 to 5.7.

Strongest Earthquakes in Bolivia

The strongest earthquake to occur in Bolivia in recent years took place on November 24, 2015, and was measured at a magnitude of 8.2. This quake was centred in Southern Bolivia and was felt in several neighbouring countries, including Paraguay.

Earthquakes in Bolivia: Historical Context

On June 9, 1994, Bolivia experienced a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 8.2. The epicentre was located in a sparsely populated region of the Amazon jungle, approximately 200 miles from La Paz. This earthquake was notable for its large magnitude and depth, and it was felt in locations far from its epicentre, including Argentina and Canada.

Safety Precautions During an Earthquake

During an earthquake, it is essential to stay calm and take immediate action to protect yourself. If you are indoors, drop to the ground and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a desk or table. Stay away from windows, mirrors, and other objects that may fall. If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, power lines, and other potential hazards. Find an open area away from trees, light posts, or other objects that could fall. Once the shaking stops, evacuate to an open space and help others if you can.

Magnitude of earthquakes in Bolivia

Bolivia experiences a moderate level of seismic activity, with about 1,600 earthquakes occurring per year on average. The magnitudes of these earthquakes vary, ranging from minor tremors to major events.

In the past 24 hours, Bolivia has experienced three earthquakes with magnitudes above 3 and up to 4.5. In the past seven days, the country has recorded 34 earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 2 to 5.7. The strongest earthquake during this period was a magnitude 5.7 event that occurred 61 km west-southwest of Challapata.

On a larger timescale, Bolivia has experienced several significant earthquakes. On April 10, 2024, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred in the southern La Paz Department, with its epicentre located about 66 km west of Patacamaya. This earthquake occurred at a depth of about 206 km, and light shaking was felt in several departments in Bolivia, as well as in neighbouring Chile and Peru. No immediate reports of damage or injuries were recorded.

In recent years, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Bolivia on April 10, 2024, and a magnitude 4.5 earthquake was recorded on September 10, 2024, 108 km southwest of Atocha.

The largest earthquake in Bolivia in the past ten years occurred on November 24, 2015, and registered a magnitude of 8.2. This event was located in southern Bolivia and was the second-largest earthquake ever recorded with a focal depth greater than 300 km.

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