LOC19:51
16:51 GMT
WASHINGTON, March 11 (KUNA) -- A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Chile on
Thursday, the day the country's new president, Sebastian Pinera, was to be
inaugurated.
There were no immediate reports of damage, but the Chilean navy issued a
tsunami alert. The quake rocked buildings and shook windows in Santiago, the
Chilean capital, according to witnesses.
Aftershocks were reported within minutes of the main quake, according to
officials on the ground in Santiago.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported an initial quake with a
preliminary magnitude of 5.1 and a second one that registered 7.2.
The main aftershock was centered about 77 miles west-southwest of Santiago
and was measured at a depth of 6.2 miles, USGS officials said.
Chile was struck by an 8.8-magnitude earthquake on Feb. 27 that killed
hundreds, and aftershocks have continued in the days since. (end)
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