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Rediff.com  » News » PHOTOS: 5 killed as 8.2 quake jolts Chile, triggers tsunami
This article was first published 9 years ago

PHOTOS: 5 killed as 8.2 quake jolts Chile, triggers tsunami

Last updated on: April 02, 2014 09:59 IST

Image: Residents walk to higher ground after a Tsunami alarm at Talcahuano city, south of Santiago on the southern Pacific coast
Photographs: Jose Luis Saavedra/Reuters

A powerful earthquake of 8.2 magnitude has struck off northern Chile, triggering a tsunami alert, according to the United States Geological Survey. Waves of up to six feet have hit some areas in Chile.

At least five people have been killed said Interior Minister Rodrigo Penailillo.

The quake caused landslides and power cuts and fires were also reported from a few areas.

8.2 earthquake jolts Chile, triggers tsunami

Image: Residents rush to evacuate their houses in Talcahuano city, south of Santiago
Photographs: Jose Luis Saavedra/Reuters

Chile's National Emergency Office tweeted on Tuesday night that it was asking everyone to evacuate the South American nation's coast.

About 300 prisoners escaped from northern port city of Iquique in the immediate aftermath, he said.

Chilean TV broadcast pictures of traffic jams as people tried to evacuate, reports BBC.

8.2 earthquake jolts Chile, triggers tsunami

Image: A general view of Iquique city from the top floor of a building during a vertical evacuation after a Tsunami alarm at Iquique city, north of Santiago
Photographs: Cristian Vivero/Reuters

The quake shook modern buildings in Peru and in Bolivia's high altitude capital of La Paz - more than 470km from Iquique.

At least eight strong aftershocks followed in the few hours after the quake, including a 6.2 tremor. Seismologists have warned that more aftershocks and an even bigger quake cannot be discounted.

8.2 earthquake jolts Chile, triggers tsunami

Image: Residents stay on the last floor of their building during a vertical evacuation after a Tsunami alarm at Iquique city
Photographs: Cristian Vivero/Reuters

Chile is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. 

In February 2010, central and southern Chile were hit by a powerful earthquake of 8.8-magnitude followed by a tsunami leaving more than 500 dead.

Tags: Chile