The US Geological Survey reported the large earthquake hit offshore from
Maule, Chile.
In the Chilean capital Santiago, north of the epicentre, there were reports of
buildings shaking and blackouts.
The earthquake struck 56 miles northeast of Concepc at a depth of 34 miles.
It was initially reported at a magnitude of 8.3, reportedly lasting for 10 to
30 seconds. Geologists described the earthquake as “very big” and 80 times
bigger than the earthquake that hit Haiti earlier this year.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
The US Pacific Tsunami warning centre issued a tsunami warning for Chile and
Peru, and a tsunami watch for Ecuador.
It said it was not yet known if a tsunami had been caused but “an
earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami
that can strike coastlines within hours.”
The centre warned authorities to take “appropriate action”.
In 1960, an earthquake measuring 9.5 on the Richter Scale hi Valdivia in
Chile, killing up to 6,000 people and sparking a tsunami with waves as high
as 82 feet high.
Earlier on Saturday a powerful earthquake struck in the Pacific Ocean, about
50 miles off the southern Japanese island of Okinawa.
A tsunami warning was initially issued, but later lifted. There are no reports
of major damage or casualties.
The Japan Meteorological Agency gave the strength as 6.9, while the US
Geological Survey put it at 7.3.
Japan is frequently hit by earthquakes. In 1995, a 7.2 magnitude quake in the
port city of Kobe killed 6,400 people.
The latest tremor happened at 0531 on Saturday (2031 GMT on Friday).
Ivan Brackin, a broadcaster who lives on Yoron Island, said it was the biggest
quake he had felt in his 40 years in Japan, but there had been no visible
effects in his area.
“We’re 30 yards [metres] from the sea and no sign of a tsunami,” he
said.
“I woke up to violent shudders that lasted about six seconds then a
pause followed by a couple of sharp jumps. Jumpers are the most dangerous so
that sent me under the desk.”
Last month more than 200,000 people were killed when a devastating earthquake
struck the Caribbean island of Haiti, leaving some 1.2 million people
homeless and prompting one of the largest ever international aid operations.
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