An earthquake of magnitude 7.3 on the Richter scale struck Antofagasta in Chile on Thursday, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.

The epicentre of the tremor was located 164 miles (265 kilometres) east of the coastal city of Antofagasta, at a depth of 78.5 miles (126 kilometres).

There were no immediate reports of any loss of life or damage to property after the 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.

According to AFP, no tsunami warning has been issued so far.

In January this year, an earthquake of magnitude 5.3 struck the northern Chilean region of Tarapaca with a 118km depth.

Chile is located in the so-called “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific and experiences frequent earthquakes. In 2010, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake and subsequent tsunami claimed 526 lives.

Source: India Today