Chile Panics as 6.2 Quake Hits

A magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck today just off the shore of south-central Chile, the same area devastated by a massive temblor two years ago, though there were no immediate reports of damage. Today's quake was centered 31 miles northwest of Concepcion, and relatively shallow at 12 miles deep. But Chile's navy announced that it wasn't the kind of quake to generate a deadly tsunami like that which ravaged nearby coastal cities when an magnitude-8.8 quake hit Chile in 2010.

The US Geological Service said this quake struck at 1:04pm local time with a magnitude of 6.2. Chilean seismologists measured it as a less-powerful 5.8. Chile's national emergency office said there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Cellphone service was briefly interrupted as people tried to reach loved ones, and radio stations and social networks lit up with comments, including many who said the shaking made them panic. Light fixtures swayed in many homes, but the power remained on. (More Chile earthquake stories.)