7.1 Magnitude Quake Shakes Central Chile

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake has shaken central Chile, but there are no reports of casualties or serious damage.

The U.S. Geological Survey says Sunday's quake was centered in the Pacific Ocean, about 70 kilometers northwest of the town of Temuco, in Chile's Araucania region.

Officials say thousands of panicked residents, remembering last year's 8.8 magnitude quake, fled for higher ground, fearing a possible tsunami.

Sunday's quake also knocked out electricity and telephone service to parts of the region.

The 8.8 quake in Araucania last February 27 triggered a tsunami and killed more than 500 people.