Three earthquakes measuring over 5.0 on the Richter scale hit southern Chile late Friday, but there was no report of casualties or damage.

A 5-magnitude earthquake, which occurred at 18:38 local time (2238 GMT), was centered 95 km southwest of Concepcion, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

A 5.4-magnitude quake hit near the town of Penquista at 18:41 (2241 GMT).

At 19:15 (2315 GMT), an earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale jolted near Concepcion, a city hardest hit by the 8.8-magnitude quake in February.

The quakes, which were felt in cities in central and southern Chile, caused panic among local people, said the Chilean National Emergency Office.

Aftershocks were frequent following the Feb. 27 quake that killed more than 500 people and left 500,000 homeless.

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