6.8-magnitude quake hits Chile, no damage reported

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Chile in the early hours of Saturday, but no damage or injuries have been reported.

The quake hit the north-central Coquimbo region at a depth of 47.8 km at 4:31 a.m. (0731 GMT), according to the Seismological Institute of the University of Chile.

Chile's navy had issued a warning of a small tsunami for the nearby coastal area, but later cancelled it.

Chile's National Emergency Office (ONEMI) said so far there have not any reports of casualties or infrastructure damage.

Chile lies on one of the world's most seismically active regions, with its west coast running along the "Ring of Fire" -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Buildings in the country are designed to cope with the regular quakes there.