M 6.1 Strong earthquake hits Chile

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake has struck western Chile.

centred 480km north of the capital, Santiago and 89km north-west of the port city of Coquimbo was at a depth of 61.8km.  It hit at 4.02pm Wednesday local time.
No reports of injuries

Chile's state emergency office, Onemi, said there were no reports of injuries, disruptions to basic services or infrastructure damage as a result of the tremor.

The navy said the quake did not meet the conditions needed to trigger a tsunami.

World No.1 copper producer Codelco said its operations were normal, and no mines in the metal-producing country reported damages.

Seismically active Chile was battered in February 2010 by an 8.8 magnitude quake and ensuing tsunami, which caused billions in damage and killed hundreds.