5.9-Magnitude Quake Rocks Central Chile

Santiago, Chile, Jan 10. -A 5.9-magnitude earthquake on Monday rocked the same central Chilean regions affected by a devastating earthquake last year.

The quake was reported at 03:00 local time off the coast of the region of Maule, some 300 km (186 miles) south of the capital, and was also felt in regions of Bio Bio, O Higgins and Metropolitana, where Santiago is located.

Although the National Emergency Office said there were no victims or material damage, the strong earthquake created fear among the population, constantly threatened by seismic phenomena.

Another, 5.0-magnitude quake was reported at daybreak Monday in the northern region of Arica and Parinacota, about 2,000 km (1.243 miles) from the capital.

Experts stated that northern Chile is an area with a large amount of unreleased seismic energy, so it has a strong potential for the occurrence of another devastating earthquake, similar to or larger than the 8.0-magnitude quake that occurred on Feb. 27, 2010. (Prensa Latina)