Northern region records largest earthquake in Brazilian history
Brazil’s Northern Region on Saturday (Jan. 20) experienced the largest earthquake in the country's history, measuring 6.6 on the Richter Scale. According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at 6:31 p.m. Brasília time, 4:31 p.m. local time.
While the United States Geological Survey indicates that the earthquake occurred near Tarauacá, Acre, the precise coordinates of the tremor pinpoint it to an isolated area in Ipixuna, Amazonas. No damage has been reported thus far due to the earthquake's depth of 614.5 kilometers, allowing the energy to dissipate. Geologists note that tremors at this depth are barely felt by the population.
The China Earthquake Networks Center also recorded the tremor, measuring its intensity at 6.6 degrees on the Richter Scale. However, the agency reported a greater depth of 630 kilometers.
Brazilian Seismographic Network
The Brazilian Seismographic Network states that most seismic events along the Brazilian-Peruvian border occur at significant depths due to the subduction (dipping below) of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American platform. The organization suggests that the strength of the earthquake may have been lessened by its considerable depth.
On June 7, 2022, Tarauacá, located in the northwest of Acre, experienced a 6.5 magnitude earthquake, ranking as the second largest in the country's history. Fortunately, there were no casualties or material damages reported at the time.
The tremors occur due to the region's proximity to the Andes, one of the most seismically active areas on the planet. Over the last 45 years, the United States Geological Survey has recorded approximately 96 earthquakes within a 250-kilometer radius of Tarauacá, none of which resulted in serious consequences.
Prior to the seismic activity in the municipality of Acre, the largest earthquake in Brazilian history was recorded in the Serra do Tombador region of Mato Grosso on January 31, 1955, measuring 6.2 on the Richter Scale.
