Powerful Earthquake Strikes Off Coast Of Chile

(Reuters) - A strong, magnitude 7.9 earthquake hit off the coast of Chile, 81 miles (130 km) west-northwest of Iquique, Chile, the U.S. Geological Survey said on Wednesday.

Hazardous tsunami waves from the quake were possible along the coasts of Chile and Peru within the next several hours, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

The quake struck at a depth of 5.2 miles (8.4 km), the USGS said. A Reuters witness said the quake shook buildings in Chile's capital, Santiago. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

(Reporting by Peter Cooney in Washington; Editing by Will Dunham)

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