(Reuters) - - A major earthquake of 6.1 magnitude struck in Argentina, 69 miles east southeast of Santiago del Estero at a depth of 340 miles, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The quake occurred at 4:46 a.m. (2:46 a.m. EST) on Monday. A quake of that magnitude nearer the earth's surface could cause severe damage in a densely populated area.