An earthquake measuring 6.6 magnitude on the Richter scale hit off the coast of central-southern Chile Monday, causing no casualties or material damage.

According to the information published by the U.S. Geology Survey (USGS) on its website, the quake took place at 0340 GMT and the epicenter was located offshore Maule.

So far there have been no reports of casualties or material damage. The National Office of Emergencies of Chile denied the risk of tsunami soon after the earthquake.

A few hours ago, an earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale shook Bio Bio in central-southern Chile Sunday, leaving no injuries or material damage.

Also on Sunday, another two quakes, measuring 5.8 magnitude and 5.6 magnitude respectively, rattled the Bio Bio region.

The northern Chilean region of Atacama was struck by a series of moderate quakes last week, causing panic among the local population as the geologists have been warning of an eventual outbreak of tectonic energy in the region.

On Friday a 6.8-magnitude earthquake was registered in Concepcion, capital of the central-southern region of Bio Bio.

On Feb. 27, 2010, an 8.8-magnitude major earthquake struck Bio Bio, leaving more than 500 deaths and 30 billion U.S. dollars of economic losses.