Northern Chile suffers 6.5-magnitude earthquake

Seismologists say a strong earthquake has hit in northern Chile.

The US Geological Survey says the 6.5-magnitude quake’s epicentre was between the cities of Iquique and Arica, about 60 miles from each.

It hit just after midnight last night (3.05am Irish Time today).

The USGS says the quake had a relatively shallow depth of six miles.

Powerful earthquakes are common in the South American nation, which stretches along the quake-prone Pacific ’Ring of Fire’.