7.1 magnitude quake hits Chile, no major damage reported

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on Richter scale rocked the west coast of Chile, shaking the capital Santiago as well. The earthquake also led two significant aftershocks of magnitudes 5.0 and 5.4 in the same spot.

As per the assessment by Chile's emergency services, no major damage was apparent, reported the Guardian. The quake was not expected to cause a tsunami as per the Chilean Navy and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

As the quake was centered 22 miles (35 km) west of the coastal city of Valparaíso, the Chilean authorities initially ordered a preventative evacuation of the coastal area near Valparaiso but canceled it shortly afterward. Chile has a long history of massive quakes, due to being located on the so-called 'Pacific Ring of Fire'.

Chile was the victim to the largest recorded 9.5 magnitude earthquake that hit it in 1960. Another 8.8 magnitude quake hit off the south-central coast in 2010, also leading to a tsunami.

-ANI