A STRONG 6.9-magnitude earthquake rattled central Chile yesterday, United States geologists said. 

The quake, which struck at 6.30pm, was centred about 38km off the coast of the resort city of Valparaiso.

It had a depth of 9.8km, according to the US Geological Survey.

The USGS originally said the quake measured 7.1, but later downgraded it.

Authorities urged residents to evacuate coastal areas as a precaution shortly after the quake, but cancelled the order when no large waves were generated.

ONEMI, Chile’s national emergency agency, said there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Chile lies on what is known as the “Ring of Fire” – an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. – April 25, 2017.