Powerful 7.9 magnitude earthquake strikes off coast of Chile

SANTIAGO, Chile, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- A powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Chile on Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The earthquake hit about 35 miles west of the Chilean town of Illapel, the USGS said. The epicenter is located about 150 miles northwest of the capital, Santiago.

Officials said the quake's epicenter was 20 miles beneath the Earth's surface.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued warnings of a possible tsunami from the earthquake, but none had been spotted.

The National Weather Service also issued tsunami threat warnings along the Chilean and Peruvian coastlines.

Although 7.9 is a substantial magnitude for an earthquake, no injuries or damage were immediately reported after the quake struck.

Chile sits on very geologically active crust, and numerous earthquakes with a magnitude of 8 or greater have struck the region in the last century, the USGS said.

Editor's note: This story has been updated. Find new developments here.