Strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake strikes near Coquimbo in Chile

(BNO News) – A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 has struck near the city of Coquimbo in central Chile, seismologists and residents say. A tsunami warning has been issued. The earthquake,  which struck at 10:32 p.m. local time on Saturday, was centered just off the coast, about 29 kilometers southwest of Coquimbo. It struck at a depth of about 54 kilometers.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) puts the preliminary magnitude at 6.7, down from an initial estimate of 6.8. Chile’s National Office of Emergencies (ONEMI) said a tsunami warning was in effect and evacuations are underway. There is no tsunami threat to other countries, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. READ MORE