A massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck central Chile early Saturday, producing powerful aftershocks and triggering a tsunami.At least 125 people were killed,with the death toll expected to rise.The epicenter of the earthquake was located off the coast in Maule, near the city of Concepcion, 212 miles (341 kilometers) from the capital of Santiago. The quake struck at 3:34 a.m. (1:34 a.m. ET).Numerous aftershocks, including one that measured 6.9 magnitude, were felt within hours of the initial quake, USGS said.
Telephone and powerlines were down, making a quick damage assessment difficult in the early morning darkness.Local television stations said there was damage to buildings in the historic center of Santiago, which lies about 200 miles north of the epicenter, and a highway bridge collapsed near the capital.A tsunami warning was issued for Chile and Peru by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, and a tsunami watch was issued for Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Antarctica.
Chile holds the record for the largest earthquake in the world, according to the USGS. A magnitude 9.5 quake struck the South American country in May 1960 and killed 1,655 people.
Telephone and powerlines were down, making a quick damage assessment difficult in the early morning darkness.Local television stations said there was damage to buildings in the historic center of Santiago, which lies about 200 miles north of the epicenter, and a highway bridge collapsed near the capital.A tsunami warning was issued for Chile and Peru by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, and a tsunami watch was issued for Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Antarctica.
Chile holds the record for the largest earthquake in the world, according to the USGS. A magnitude 9.5 quake struck the South American country in May 1960 and killed 1,655 people.
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