An earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale hit Chile's central-southern region of Bio Bio on Monday night, but no casualties or damage were reported.

The quake, which occurred at 21:40 p.m. local time (0140 GMT Tuesday), was centered 105 km south of Concepcion, where a major 8.8-magnitude quake and the consequent tsunamis have caused heavy casualties and damage in February, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Chile's National Emergency Office said on Monday that the basic services and infrastructure are in normal function. The office issued a tsunami alert following the quake, which also affected the regions of La Araucania and Los Rios.

Xinhua correspondent witnessed panic among the local people in Concepcion, the second largest city of Chile, as the temblor caused partial power cuts in the city and Arauco province.