Posted November 14, 2007   Email   Print

No injuries reported at ISDE from earthquake in northern Chile

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile Wednesday, the third day of the International Six Days Enduro, but the official ISDE website reported that there were no injuries or damage in La Serena, the site of the competition.

The Chilean National Office of Emergency reported that the strong earthquake knocked out power and caused buildings to collapse near its center. But it said the strength of the quake measured only a magnitude three at La Serena, which is more than 500 miles south of the center of the quake.

"We felt it pretty good," said Chuck Weir, AMA Racing Off-Road Director, who is on site in La Serena. "It lasted about 30 to 40 seconds and the ground was heaving. The race continued and all is well."

The earthquake, centered miles beneath the surface, occurred at 12:43 p.m. local time. More than 100 injuries and two deaths were reported in the northern communities most affected by the earthquake.

 © 2007, American Motorcyclist Association