Magnitude 5.5 earthquake sways buildings in Chile’s capital

SANTIAGO, Chile – A magnitude 5.5 earthquake swayed buildings in the Chilean capital of Santiago on Wednesday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injury.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake hit at 2:12 p.m. local time (12:12 p.m. EST; 1712 GMT) and was centred 5 miles (8 kilometres) south-southwest of San Antonio, a Pacific coast town about 60 miles (100 kilometres) southwest of the capital.

Witnesses reported buildings swaying in the centre of the capital, and said it also was felt in the port of Valparaiso, some 65 miles (105 kilometres) northwest of the capital.

Chile is one of the globe’s most quake-prone nations. A magnitude 8.8 quake in 2010, which was followed by a tsunami, killed at least 525 people.