At least eight aftershocks over five degrees on the Richter scale were registered on Monday in the center-south zone of Chile, after the devastating 8.8-magnitude quake on Saturday.

The US Geology Institute said that the epicenters of three aftershocks were in the region of O’Higgins, measuring 5.3 and 5.2 degrees, respectively, some 120 km south to Santiago.

In Bio Bio region, the epicenter of the earthquake, some 400 km south to Santiago, there also registered three aftershocks, measuring 5.3 and 5degrees, respectively.

According to the experts, the aftershocks will continue for at least one month or longer at the affected zone, but they will be reduced in intensity and frequency.

The 8.8-magnitude earthquake, which was followed by a tsunami, has been registered as the strongest one in 50 years and the second most powerful in the history of Chile.

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2010)