USGS: 6.5-magnitude quake hits northern Chile Eds: APNewsNow.

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) Seismologists say a strong earthquake has struck northern Chile.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the 6.5-magnitude quake's epicenter is between the cities of Iquique and Arica, about 60 miles (95 kilometers) from each.

It hit just after midnight Friday local time (0305 GMT Friday; 10:05 p.m. Thursday EST).

USGS reports the quake had a relatively shallow depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers).

Powerful earthquakes are common in the South American nation, which stretches along the quake-prone Pacific "Ring of Fire." (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-12-09 2153CST | save this article / add to your favorites list