At least five people are killed, more than a million evacuated and a tsunami warning in place as a magnitude 8.3 earthquake strikes Chile.
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The Chilean government says at least five people have been killed and more than a million evacuated following a magnitude 8.3 earthquake.
A number of strong aftershocks were also felt.
The ‘quake struck off the coast near the region around Coquimbo, some 300 kilometres north of the capital Santiago.
#INFOGRAPHIC Map showing epicentre of 8.3-magnitude quake in Chile Wednesday @AFP pic.twitter.com/1oP6mUZohr
— Agence France-Presse (@AFP) September 17, 2015
Near to the epicentre, buildings were damaged and power supplies cut.
The ‘quake, the biggest to hit Chile since 2010, could be felt as far away as the Argentinian capital.
A Tsunami warning was initially put in place in some parts of the country and across the South Pacific.
The government has since cancelled the warning.
A magnitude 8.3 #earthquake has struck off the coast of Chile. Tsunami watch issued for Hawaii. Pray for #Chile pic.twitter.com/TcYHNEx4KD
— Fascinating Pictures (@Fascinatingpics) September 17, 2015
Heavy waves, some reaching heights of 4.5 metres, caused flooding in Chile’s coastal towns. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet says she will visit the worst hit areas.
“The most important thing today is to support the people, protect them, prevent any more deaths or injuries and to make sure all appropriate measures are put in place,” she said.
Tsunami warnings from California to New Zealand after 8.3 quake hits Chile: live http://t.co/QpHrg5fe3F pic.twitter.com/hCCe1Pkid8
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 17, 2015
The government rapidly warned people living near the coast to leave their homes, anxious to avoid a repeat of 2010, when a slow reaction to an earthquake and subsequent tsunami resulted in hundreds of deaths.