Global General

Magnitude 6.5 quake hits central Chile coast

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-07-14 19:42

SANTIAGO, Chile - A magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit near the coast of central Chile on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, but emergency officials said there were no reports of injuries or damage.

Related readings:  6.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Chile  Heavy storm strands merchant vessel in Chile  Magnitude-6.1 quake hits central Chile

The quake's center was 61 miles (98 km) north-northwest of Temuco, Chile, at a depth of 17.6 miles (28 km), the USGS said. The area is south of Chile's important copper mining region.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat of a widespread tsunami but that earthquakes of such size could sometimes generate tsunamis along coasts within 100 km (60 miles) of the epicenter.

Chilean emergency officials said they had received no reports the quake damaged infrastructure or disrupted services.

Earthquakes are common in Chile. A 6.2 magnitude quake struck Chile's mine-rich north on Sunday, with no reports of damage or injuries.

A huge 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit south-central Chile in February, killing at least 500 people and causing massive damage.