Chile has been hit by another large earthquake, with tremors particularly strong in the centre of the country

BDP International's office in Santiago, Chile has had to close for the day for the security of our personnel due to the strong aftershocks that have occurred.

The central zone of Chile has today been hit by another earthquake, this time registering 7.2 magnitude on the Richter scale, less than two weeks after the country was hit by a devastating major earthquake and tsunami.

The earthquake, recorded at 11.39 this morning in Santiago, was felt strongly in both the Chilean capital and its surrounding areas, as well as Valparaiso, the location of the major fruit port in Chile.

According to reports, the earthquake hit central Chile shortly before the country's incoming president, Sebastián Piñera, was sworn in, with the tremor centered on the O'Higgins region, 140km of Valparaiso, where the ceremony was being staged.

At this stage, Chilean fresh produce association Asoex said that it was too early to provide accurate reports of any damage, although communications networks have been affected.

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Please note that this advisory was created prior to the aftershocks which occurred today. BDP will provide additional information when it is available.