Chile: Deadly quake registers 8.8 on Richter scale

According to various reports, at least 64 persons died as a result of a strong earthquake in Chile that registered 8.8 on the Richter scale on February 27. Striking the South American country during the post-midnight hours, its epicenter was near the city of Concepcion – the second-largest city in the country approximately 70 miles from the capital. The tremor caused a tsunami wave and lasted approximately one minute, occurring at approximately 6:34 AM (GMT). The Geological Survey of the United States emitted an alarm, citing the danger of tsunami waves along the Pacific Coast of South America.  Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Antarctica and Australia received warnings.

The quake was felt as far away as Japan, and was followed up by an aftershock that registered 6.2 on the Richter scale some three hours later. The quake was felt in Santiago, the capital city. Telephone and internet service has been disrupted. Websites located in Chile, including newspapers, have been affected. Attempts by Spero to reach persons via Internet in Chile following the tremor were unsuccessful.

The epicenter of the quake is located in the Pacific Ocean, some 25 miles below the surface, in the region of Maule – approximately 300 miles from Santiago. Reports about damage to Santiago and the nearby coastal city of Valparaiso are sketchy. However, interruptions in the electrical system and telephone service have been noted.

According to President Michelle Bachelet, a tsunami wave was witnessed at the isolated Pacific island of Juan Fernandez, which is Chilean territory. According to Bachelet, “in the case of Juan Fernandez, there has been something that I don’t know would qualify as a tsunami but it was indeed a wave of great proportions. We have no data because of the darkness, but people are evacuating to high ground.” Bachelet warned against panic, but warned that “in the coastal areas there have been aftershocks that are approaching higher areas.” She asked Chileans to “avoid travelling on the highways because of falling bridges and ramps. To avoid accidents and risk as a result of the quake, abstain from driving.”

Bachelet has declared a state of emergency in the three most-affected regions. She said that the number of dead and injured is as yet undetermined because of the current lack of communications. The Chilean government is working with the various telecommunications companies to get the country re-connected. “Without a doubt, there is extensive damage,” said the Chilean chief executive.