A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Chile on Thursday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. Chile's National Emergency Office said there were no initial reports of major damage or victims.

According to the USGS, the quake occured at 2208 local time on Thursday (0208 GMT Friday) with its epicenter in the Pacific Ocean about 80 km northwest of the port city of Iquique. The epicenter was located at a depth of 10 km.

Earthquakes are common in the South American country. In November 2007, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit north Chile, left two people dead and many others injured.

(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2009)