Strong 6.8-magnitude earthquake strikes off south Chile

A strong earthquake struck off the coast of southern Chile, causing shaking felt in several cities but without any reports of damage, Chilean authorities said.

The US Geological Survey on Sunday said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 and its epicentre was 10 kilometres (six miles) beneath the surface and about 140 kilometres (87.5 miles) west of the town of Corral.

The tremor was felt with various intensities in the regions of La Araucania, Los Rios, Los Lagos and Biobio.

Chile's National Emergency Office said that there were no reports of injuries or damage and that basic services were functioning normally.

Rodrigo Holzapel,