Massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocks Chile; four dead; Tsunami warning for USA

February 27th, 2010 - 3:14 pm ICT by BNO News  

SANTIAGO, CHILE (BNO NEWS) — A massive earthquake struck near Concepcion, Chile on Saturday, seismologists said, causing at least four dead.

The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 8.8, was centered about 60 miles northwest of Chillan and 200 miles southwest of Santiago, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It struck at a depth of 21.7 miles at 03.34 a.m. local time.

The capital, Santiago, was without power and phone lines after the earthquake. Reports say there are several buildings damaged in Santiago and in the Bio Bio region. Chilean media reported at least four people dead and many injured after the earthquake.

A tsunami warning is in effect for Chile and Peru, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. A tsunami watch is in effect for Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama.

A tsunami may have been generated that could potentially impact the U.S. west coast, British Columbia, and Alaska, the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center said in an urgent bulletin. The center added that is investigating the event to determine the level of danger.

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