{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Police patrol a debris strewn street in Valparaiso, Chile, after a tsunami, caused by an earthquake hit the area, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. A magnitude-8.3 earthquake hit off Chile's northern coast, causing buildings to sway in Santiago and other cities and sending people running into the streets. Authorities reported one death in a town north of the capital.(Pablo Ovalle Isasmendi/AGENCIA UNO via AP) CHILE OUT - NO USAR EN CHILE (The Associated Press)
Residents sit next to an equestrian statue, in Santiago’s main square after a 8.3 earthquake, in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. The powerful earthquake hit Chile's northern coast causing buildings to sway in Santiago and other cities and sending people running into the streets. (AP Photo/Luis Hidalgo) (The Associated Press)
A police officer stands in the street to direct traffic as people stand in a line for public transportation after an earthquake in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. A powerful magnitude-8.3 earthquake hit off Chile's northern coast Wednesday night, causing buildings to sway in Santiago and other cities and sending people running into the streets. (AP Photo/Luis Hidalgo) (The Associated Press)
A powerful earthquake has shaken Chile's capital, causing buildings to sway and people to take refuge in the streets.
The U.S. Geological Survey reports the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.9. Chilean authorities recorded it as 7.2.
U.S. officials say the quake was centered ab out 153 miles (246 kilometers) north-northwest of Santiago.