Strong, Dual Earthquakes rock Chile

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

Great Earthquakes In Diverse Places

Strong, Dual Earthquakes rock Chile

March 16, 2010 2:24 a.m. EDT


STORY HIGHLIGHTS

    * A 6.7-magnitude quake and a 5.5-magnitude quake hit around midnight
    * No danger of a tsunami from the quakes, official said
    * Both temblors were centered north of Concepcion, which was heavily damaged in February



(CNN) -- A pair of earthquakes rattled coastal Chile overnight, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

A strong 6.7-magnitude quake hit at 11:22 p.m. Monday, and a moderate 5.5-magnitude quake followed at 12:05 a.m. Tuesday.

Vicente Nuñez, director of the National Emergencies Office, appealed to Chileans to remain calm, saying there was no danger of a tsunami.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage, he said.

Both quakes were centered 35 to 45 miles north of Concepcion, which was heavily damaged by a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake on February 27.

Aftershocks have continued to rock Chile -- at least seven of magnitude 5.0 or above since Sunday.