5.9 quake hits Chile

(AP) — A strong 5.9-magnitude earthquake shook central Chile on Wednesday, causing office buildings in the capital to sway for almost a minute, said authorities.

However, officials said no damage was reported and ruled out the possibility of tsunami along its coast.

The US Geological Survey said the quake's epicenter was 37 miles or 59 kilometers southwest of the port city of San Antonio, Chile.

The USGS had reported the quake as magnitude 6.1 but revised the strength down to 5.9.

Buildings swayed in Santiago and some people fled to the streets in fear. Chile's emergency services office said no damages to infrastructure were immediately reported.

The USGS reported two other temblors with magnitudes of 5.1 and 5.2 on Wednesday near San Antonio.

Chile is highly earthquake-prone and residents have bad memories of other quakes that have caused widespread destruction.

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