A moderate earthquake shook the Chilean capital Santiago in the midmorning on Wednesday, causing tall buildings in the city centre to sway.

The magnitude 5.0 quake occurred at 10.14am (14H14 GMT) just off the Pacific coast of Chile, 75 kilometres from the port city of Valparaiso, according to the US Geological Survey.

The USGS also said the quake was located 141 kilometres from Santiago and 254 kilometres from the Argentine city of Mendoza.

There were no immediate reports of damages.