Chile Earthquake: 8.8 magnitude quake hits Santiago in Chile, Tsunami Warning Hawaii, News, Map, Pacific Warning Center

A massive earthquake of 8.8 magnitude capable of causing huge damage struck Chile country early Saturday morning, shaking the capital for more than a minute and a half which set off a tsunami alert.

Many buildings collapsed and telephone connections, power were down, which made the extent of the damage more difficult to determine.

The earthquake stuck 200 miles southwest of  Santiago, at a depth of 22 miles at 3:34 a.m. (0634 GMT; 1:34 a.m. EST), the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

Mor than 17 people were reportedly killed when the earthquake struck, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet announced.

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“We have had a huge earthquake,” Bachelet said, speaking from an emergency response centre in an appeal for Chileans to remain calm.

“We’re doing everything we can with all the forces we have. Any information we will share immediately.”

Chile President requested people to refrain from travelling in the dark, since the street lights are down, to avoid more casualties. Read More