6.9-magnitude earthquake hits Chile

Authorities withdraw cautionary evacuation order; no damages reported

By Canberk Yuksel

NEW YORK (AA) - A magnitude 6.9 earthquake was recorded Monday off the west coast of Chile, according to U.S. Geological Survey.

No casualties or structural damage have been reported, according to Chile's emergency services.

The tremor occurred 24 miles (39 kilometers) off the coastal city of Valparaiso at a depth of 15 miles (25 km).

Early reports suggest the jolt was felt in the capital, Santiago, which is 63 miles (102 km) from Valparaiso.

Local authorities ordered an evacuation in case of a tsunami, but quickly canceled it after a re-assessment.

The earthquake reportedly caused at least two aftershocks around magnitude 5.

Chile has suffered devastating earthquakes in the past. A magnitude-8.8 earthquake in 2010, among the strongest ever recorded, killed more than 500 people.

Kaynak:

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