6.1 magnitude earthquake hits Chile

Chile: A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit the region of Antofagasta in northern Chile on Monday, damaging buildings and roads near the epicentre but no casualty were recorded said authorities.

The National Seismological Center of the University of Chile specified that the earthquake happened at 1:26 p.m. local time, with a depth of 77.7 km.

Authorities say the epicenter is located 30 km from the town of Chanaral, about 1,500 km north of the capital Santiago.

Chilean emergency authority Onemi, said the quake collapsed part of the highway linking the region to Santiago, and caused insignificant damage to several buildings in Chanaral’s historic centre.

The greatest effect of the quake was reported in the towns of Copiapo and Tierra Amarilla, said Onemi.

The army's national oceanographic and hydrographic service said there was no risk of a tsunami occuring.