A 6.4-magnitude earthquake shook western and central Argentina Monday, but there were no immediate reports of significant damage.
The quake struck at 11.46 pm local time (02:45 GMT Tuesday) at a depth of 20 kilometres, according to the USGS.
The epicentre was near the town of Pocito, in San Juan Province, about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from Buenos Aires and near the border with Chile, it added.
Argentina's own National Institute for Seismic Prevention (INPRES) said, however, that the epicentre was at the town of Villa Media Agua, near the provinicial border with Mendoza. It put the quake at 6.8 on the Richter scale.
Some towns in San Juan were temporarily without power due to the tremor, creating an initial panic. Service has now been restored to most areas.
On social networks, individuals began sharing videos of the quake, such as objects falling from tables. In some regions, damage to roads and streets was seen.
Miguel Castro, from Mendoza's seismological observatory, confirmed the quake had been registered. He said the tremor was similar to another in 1977 and said much of the activity had been felt in the Pie de Palo Valley.
The quake was also felt in the provinces of Mendoza, Córdoba, Santa Fe, La Pampa, La Rioja, Santiago del Estero and Buenos Aires.
According to reports emerging on Tuesday morning, two children and an adult were hospitalised as a result of the quake, which produced as many as 10 aftershocks. At least four families were evacuated from their homes, said provincial authorities.
San Juan Province Governor Sergio Uñac said the provincial authorities were ready to help all those who suffered damage.
"At this moment I want to transmit calm to families after the earthquake that we have experienced in San Juan. Let us put into practice all the measures that we have learned to prevent incidents, while we are committed to knowing the impact of it to collaborate on everything necessary," he said.
Anyone affected by the earthquake who is in need of assistance should call the emergency services, he added.
– TIMES/AFP/NA
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