Massive earthquake strikes Chile

A massive earthquake has hit central Chile and killed at least 214 people, the interior minister says.

The 8.8 quake caused widespread damage, destroying buildings, bridges and roads in many areas, including the capital where a chemical plant caught fire.
Electricity, water and phone lines have been cut. Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to be affected.
Several Pacific countries were hit by waves higher than usual after a tsunami was set off by the quake...

Detailed map of quake

...In Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand, residents in coastal areas have been warned to move to higher ground.
The earthquake struck at 0634 GMT, 115km (70 miles) north-east of the city of Concepcion and 325km south-west of the capital Santiago. It is the biggest to hit Chile in 50 years.
At least 85 people died in the region of Maule alone, local journalists there said.
Many deaths were also in reported in the regions of Santiago, O'Higgins, Biobio, Araucania and Valparaiso.
Television pictures showed a major bridge at Concepcion had collapsed into the Biobio river.
Rescue teams are finding it difficult to reach Concepcion because of damage to infrastructure, national television reported.

Added On February 27, 2010

The Chilean ambassador to the United States reacts to the devastating earthquake that hit the South American country.

Added On February 27, 2010

TSUNAMI DANGER: CNN meteorologist Chad Myers looks at the measured strength of the Chile quake and the potential effects for the Pacific region.

Added On February 27, 2010

President Obama reacts to news of the Chilean earthquake and pledges U.S. support for the people of Chile.


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