Chile: 6.9 magnitude earthquake strikes coast but no immediate reports of injuries or damage

An earthquake of 6.9 magnitude struck off the coast of Chile, some 100km west of Coquimbo late on Tuesday night. There were no immediate reports of any injuries or damage to local buildings as Chile's Navy confirmed that the parameters of the quake did not suggest a possible life-threatening tsunami.

Several after-shocks were felt following the first earthquake which struck at 10.54pm local time on Tuesday (10 November). It was centered in the ocean about 98km north-west of Coquimbo, according to the US Geological Survey.

It was followed by a second 6.8-magnitude earthquake nearly an hour later, at 11.46pm local time. Another one of 5.1 magnitude followed at 3.07am. Aftershocks of lesser magnitudes were recorded throughout the night.

According to Chile's National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry, tremors were felt in coastal regions, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The latest quake comes just days after another strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck around the same area on 7 November, although it was much closer to land.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said it had observed small tsunami waves after the first earthquake. "Persons along coastal areas near the earthquake should be observant and exercise normal caution. Otherwise, no action is required," the centre said in a bulletin.

Chile is one of the most seismologically active areas in the world and has a high earthquake occurrence frequency. A 8.3-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Chile in September, triggering a tsunami warning and the evacuation of millions of people, causing the death of at least 15. Tuesday's quake is said to have affected almost the same region as the deadly 8.3-magnitude earthquake.

In 2010, a strong 8.8-magnitude quake, one of the strongest ever recorded, struck the South American country. The quake and the tsunami killed more than 500 people, destroyed 220,000 homes and washed away seaside resorts, docks and river fronts.