Three strong quakes shake Chile

Santiago, March 11 : Three strong quakes shook Chile Thursday, just minutes before the start of the inaugural ceremony of incoming President Sebastian Pinera.

The tremblors, one of which reached 7.2 magnitude, caused panic in several areas across central-southern Chile, which was hit by a devastating quake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale Feb 27. Last month's quake and a subsequent tsunami claimed hundreds of lives.

The Chilean Navy issued a tsunami warning. Thousands of people poured onto the streets in panic, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Hundreds of strong aftershocks have rattled the South American country since the initial quake last month.

The ceremony at the Congress building in Valparaiso was to go on as planned. Guests looked nervously at the ceiling as large lamps shook.

Pinera, 60, is to succeed outgoing President Michelle Bachelet, who is set to leave office with record popularity. She has the support of 84 percent of Chileans in the quake's aftermath, according to an opinion poll that was made public Wednesday.