Another quake hits Chile

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A magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit near the coast of central Chile on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, but emergency officials said there were no reports of injuries or damage.

The quake's centre was 61 miles (98 km) north-northwest of Temuco, Chile, at a depth of 17.6 miles (28 km), the USGS said. The area is south of Chile's important copper mining region.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no threat of a widespread tsunami but that earthquakes of such size could sometimes generate tsunamis along coasts within 100km (60 miles) of the epicentre.

Chilean emergency officials said they had received no reports the quake damaged infrastructure or disrupted services.

Earthquakes are common in Chile. A 6.2 magnitude quake struck Chile's mine-rich north on Sunday, with no reports of damage or injuries.

A huge 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit south-central Chile in February, killing at least 500 people and causing massive damage. - Reuters