Huge quake strikes Chile

A MAJOR earthquake struck northern Chile last night, toppling power lines, closing roads and sending terrified residents into the streets.

Authorities reported some injuries but no deaths from the quake, which was felt in the capital as well as neighbouring Peru and Bolivia.

The earthquake, which struck at 12.40pm local time, measured magnitude 7.7 and was centred 1,225km north of Santiago, or 40km east-southeast of Tocopilla, the US Geological Survey said.

The USGS said it occurred about 37.3 miles underground — relatively deep — which diminishes the destructive capability of quakes.

The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami warning for Chile and Peru, but said it was not known whether a giant wave was generated. Presidential spokesman Ricardo Lagos Weber said none was expected.

Some houses were damaged in the port city of Tocopilla “and some people were injured, apparently none seriously,” said deputy interior Minister Felipe Harboe.