Expert advises public to be on the alert following numerous tremors throughout the country

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SANTIAGO.- After the series of tremors that have been reported in the northern and central parts of the country, the head of Seismological Services at the University of Chile, Carlos Aranda, warned the public to "not to let their guard down" because an event of higher intensity can neither be predicted nor ruled out.

The expert explained that there are currently two "seismic clusters" within national territory: One in the area of Tocopilla that began with the earthquake on November 14th, and another located in the area of Papudo, which was initiated with the strong quake reported on Saturday.

Aranda indicated the existence of a cluster "does not necessarily" mean that an earthquake of greater intensity will occur, but stated that "nature has its own logic and of course, the possibility of another one cannot be ruled out".

In light of this, Aranda has maintained that "the call is for people to be prepared, not to let their guard down, to take certain precautions and remember that we live in a highly seismic country".