Central Chile was rocked by a strong earthquake shortly before midnight on Monday, prompting authorities to initiate precautionary evacuations for coastal towns along a 500 mile stretch between the cities of Constitucion and Tongoy. Chile's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service said a tsunami warning was not issued. Evacuation orders were lifted after it was clear no tsunami threat was present.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 23 miles. The epicenter was located about 26 miles northeast of the port city of Valparaiso and about 69 miles from the capital, Santiago. Shaking lasted about one minute.
Authorities say the tremor knocked out power in parts of Santiago and caused mudslides outside the city. Minor damage to buildings was reported in Valparaiso. An elderly man died of a heart attack during an evacuation, but no other deaths have been reported.
The earthquake comes almost a month after Central Chile was rocked by a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake. The tremor struck on March 25 about 16 miles north-northwest of the town of Talca. Three people sustained minor injuries.
###
Click here for more World News
