Moderate 5.7 quake strikes off Chile: USGS

A MODERATE 5.7 earthquake has struck off Chile, but there are no reports of damage or a tsunami.

A MODERATE 5.7-magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Chile, according to the US Geological Survey, but there are no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The epicentre of the quake on Sunday was some 24 kilometres northwest of Cartagena and 40km south of Valparaiso, according to the US-based monitors.

In February 2010, a massive 8.8-strength earthquake hit Chile's central Maule region, generating tsunami waves, killing more than 500 people and causing about $US30 billion in damage.

There were no immediate tsunami warnings in the wake of Sunday's temblor.