A strong and prolonged earthquake of magnitude 6.5 has shaken central Chile on April 17, The Associated Press reported.

Authorities have ordered a preventative evacuation of parts of the coastline.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake's epicenter was 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Valparaiso and it had a depth of 15.5 miles (25 kilometers). It struck at just before midnight local time (3:50 GMT).

Residents say the quake was felt for almost a minute.

Authorities say the evacuation was ordered from the city of Constitucion to Tongoy.

Chile's oceanography service discounted the possibility of a tsunami.