Associated Press Writer
A major earthquake struck northern Chile on Wednesday, toppling power lines, closing roads, and sending terrified residents into the streets.
Authorities reported 20 injuries but no deaths from the quake, which was felt in the capital as well as neighboring Peru and Bolivia.
The earthquake, which struck at 12:40 p.m. local time (10:40 a.m. EST), measured magnitude 7.7 and was centered 780 miles (1,255 kilometers) north of Santiago, or 25 miles (40 kilometers) east-southeast of Tocopilla, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The USGS said it occurred about 37 miles (60 kilometers) underground. (See map.)
The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued, then canceled a tsunami warning for Chile and Peru. It said the quake generated only a 2-foot (60-centimeter) wave.
Aftershocks were felt in several cities, according to media reports from the area.
Some houses were damaged in the port city of Tocopilla, according to Deputy Interior Minister Felipe Harboe, "and some people were injured, apparently none seriously."
The government's Emergency Bureau said at least 20 people were injured in the small town of María Elena. A number of houses were damaged there, said Mayor Eduardo Ahumada.
Presidential spokesperson Ricardo Lagos Weber said power was cut in several cities in northern Chile.
The region is home to some of the country's largest copper mines.
A statement from mine operator Codelco (Corporación Nacional del Cobre) reported no "relevant" damage but said its mines in the region were without power and only emergency teams were operating. Only minor landslides were reported, it said.
Television images showed cars crushed by the collapse of a hotel entryway in Antofagasta, 105 miles (170 kilometers) south of the epicenter.
A reporter for Radio Cooperativa said she saw cracks in the tarmac at the airport in Antofagasta.
