Chile Hit by Strong Earthquake

Chile was hit by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake Sunday, but authorities did not report any injuries or deaths. The tremor struck around 5:20 p.m. local time about 45 miles northwest of Temuco at more than 10 miles deep. Shaking was felt as far away as Santiago. The quake was followed about an hour later by a 5.0 magnitude aftershock.

Chile’s national emergency office confirmed telephone and power lines were down, but no other damages were reported. The extent of the power outage was unclear.

Although a tsunami warning was not issued, thousands of coastal area residents fled to higher ground fearing a repeat of last February’s devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake which generated a deadly tsunami. The tremor and tsunami left 521 people dead.

###

Click here for more World News