The quake had a magnitude of 7.1 and its epicentre was 70km (45 miles) northwest of Temuco with a depth of 25km, the US Geological Service said.

Hundreds of people in coastal areas fled to higher ground for fear of a tsunami, but no alert was issued.

An 8.8-magnitude quake in the same area last February caused huge destruction.

Chile's national emergency agency (Onemi) said there was no danger of a tsunami.