Authorities in Chile ordered evacuations of central coastal areas Sunday night after a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck about 16 miles north-northwest of the town of Talca. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the tremor hit at a depth of 6.2 miles around 7:30 p.m. Shaking lasted about 1 minute, according to residents of Talca.
Fears of the earthquake generating a tsunami prompted officials to order evacuations for coastal areas, but no tsunami warning was issued and evacuation orders were later canceled.
Emergency officials say minor damages have been reported and at least three people sustained minor injuries. No other details were available.
In February 2010, a major 8.8 magnitude struck central Chile and triggered a tsunami. More than 500 people died.
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