Strong 7.8 magnitude quake hits off northern Chile

A strong 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off northern Chile late on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake, the largest of a series of aftershocks following a powerful and deadly 8.2 magnitude quake that hit a day earlier, was located 12 miles (19 km) south of the port of Iquique at a relatively shallow depth of 12.4 miles (20 km), the USGS said. It was earlier reported as a 7.4 magnitude quake. [caption id=“attachment_1463749” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] A fire breaks out at restaurant after the quake in Chile. AP[/caption] The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no widespread tsunami threat, but that the latest tremor could generate a local tsunami. Chile’s emergency office said it ordered a preventative evacuation of the coastal area. There were no immediate reports of injury or damage. Reuters