6.1 magnitude earthquake strikes the coast of Chile
November 15, 2012 – SANTIAGO – A magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit central-north Chile on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, causing buildings to sway in capital Santiago but causing no damage. The USGS said the quake struck on the coast, 54 miles (88 km) north of Coquimbo, at 4:02 p.m. (1902 GMT). It was initially reported as a magnitude 6.0 quake. 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. Today’s 6.1 quake is the fifth 6.0+ magnitude quake to rattle the planet in three days. –Reuters GMA
