Magnitude 7.3 earthquake hits northern Chile

A strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck the mining-intensive Antofagasta region of Chile, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said.

The US Tsunami Warning System said there was no tsunami risk from the earthquake, which was centred 20km south of San Pedro de Atacama, according to Chile's national disaster prevention and response service (SENAPRED).

There were no immediate reports of damage.

SENAPRED said in a statement, though, that it was checking "possible damages to people, alterations to basic services or infrastructure as a result of this earthquake."

"I have already communicated with the regional Delegate and so far there are no reports of major damage but teams are gathering information," Chilean President Gabriel Boric said on his X account.