Santiago:
The US Geological Survey (USGS) says a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 has shaken up northern Chile, but there are no reports of injury or damage.
Chilean authorities discount the possibility of a tsunami.
The USGS says the quake occurred today at 4:35 am local time was centered 52 kilometers off the Chilean coast, west of the city of Taltal and 1,100 kilometers north of Santiago.
Police in Chile say the temblor caused a temporary interruption in fixed and mobile telephone service in some areas.