Earthquake strikes far underground in southwest Argentina

BUENOS AIRES – A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit southwest Argentina Friday but caused no damage or injuries, the US Geological Survey and local authorities reported.

The earthquake was “within the limit of moderate to severe, but it was 672 kilometers (417 miles) underground and was not perceived by the population,” Argentina’s National Institute of Seismic Prevention said.

USGS put the depth slightly shallower, at 585 kilometers (364 miles).

The quake struck a rural area near Suncho Corral, 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of the provincial capital, which is home to 400,000 people.

A local official confirmed that the quake was not felt in the larger city, and that there were no reports of damage or injuries.

The region is around 1,000 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires.