Strong Earthquake Hits Western Argentina

The magnitude 6.4 quake struck northeast of Chile's capital of Santiago.
San Agustin del Valle Fertil, in the Argentina's province of San Juan, November 11, 2016.
San Agustin del Valle Fertil, in the Argentina's province of San Juan, November 11, 2016.
Enrique Marcarian / Reuters

WASHINGTON, Nov 20 (Reuters) - A magnitude 6.4 quake on Sunday hit western Argentina, northeast of Santiago, the capital of neighboring Chile, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The quake’s epicenter was 16 miles (25.75 km) southwest of the Argentine town of San Juan, and about 180 miles (290 km) northeast of Santiago in Chile. The tremor was initially reported as a magnitude 6.7 but was later downgraded.

Although a magnitude 6.4 is considered a strong earthquake capable of causing severe damage, it was fairly deep - 71.9 miles (115.71 km) below the Earth’s surface, which would have lessened its effects.

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