Fresh earthquake shakes Chile

SANTIAGO - A strong quake shook Chile Thursday, just minutes before the start of the inaugural ceremony of incoming President Sebastian Pinera.

The 7.2-magnitude tremblor caused panic in several areas across central-southern Chile, which was hit by a devastating quake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale Feb 27.

Thursday’s quake was centred some 147 km south-west of Santiago. Hundreds of strong aftershocks have rattled the South American country since the initial quake last month.

The ceremony at the Congress building in Valparaiso was to go on as planned.

Pinera, 60, is to succeed outgoing President Michelle Bachelet, who is set to leave office with record popularity. She has the support of 84 percent of Chileans in the quake’s aftermath, according to an opinion poll that was made public Wednesday.