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Strong earthquake strikes central Chile
(CNN) -- A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck the
central coastal area of Chile on Sunday, some 70 kilometers (45
miles) northwest of Temuco, the U.S. Geological Survey said. There
were no immediate reports of major damage or injury.
The quake, which stuck around 5:20 p.m. (3:20 p.m. ET), was felt
as far away as Santiago, roughly 595 km (370 miles) north of where
the USGS said the quake occurred. The epicenter was more than 10
miles underground, the USGS said.
Loreto Henriquez, manager of the Holiday Inn Express in Temuco,
felt the quake for about a minute, describing it as loud and
strong. She said people ran into the streets, but did not report
any major damage.
CNN Chile similarly reported no immediate injuries or
damage.
The temblor cut some telephone and electricity lines, according
to Chile's national emergency office, which did not provide any
further detail.
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Soon after the quake, a 5.0-magnitude aftershock rattled the
area around 6:10 p.m. (4:10 p.m. ET), striking some 110 km (70
miles) northwest of Temuco.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said no widespread tsunami
threat exists, but did not rule out the possibility of local
tsunamis close to the quake's epicenter.
In February, an 8.8-magnitude quake hit Chile near the
nation's second largest city, Concepcion, killing hundreds.
Sunday's quake struck roughly 100 miles south of Concepcion.
