A major quake shook just off the west coast of Chile. The 8.3M according the the US Geologic Survey was centered 34 miles west of Illapel, Chile. It occurred at 7:54 PM local time with a a depth of 20.1 miles. There has been damage reports near the epicenter but since communication is chaotic, please understand that it could be a day or two until the full story is known. Below is all the information and media I could gather at this time.
As expected, large tsunami waves resulted near the coast over 10 feet high according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Larger waves reported locally (see below). A Tsunami Warning issued for the immediate coast with a Tsunami Watch (for the potential but not guarantee) as far away as Hawaii and New Zealand on the other side of the ocean.
Update From Facebook Follower Carola Strogler in her own words:
“I can tell you a bit …. the city of Coquimbo was hit by a tsunami, waves reached between 4-6 meters (12 to 18 feet) high and ocean shrink again… which could mean another big wave may coming. No power, very poor internet and cellphone too. The beach of Tongoy -apparently- was also hit with big waves . So far 2 victims but tomorrow it will visible the damage. frown emoticon My family is ok”
She has been in contact with her family and local news.
First Photos
Michael Montero tweeted a few images from inside a shopping mall in La Serena, a coastal city north of Coquimbo. As you can see, the ceiling and walls caved in.
Videos:
AP: People Running in the streets
Inside a store: Nelson Vidal
Multiple Camera Vantage points
Ring of Fire
This quake is part of a region on Earth that is very active with earthquakes and volcanoes. It circles the Pacific Ocean with mountainous terrain along most coastal areas. Also one event can impact the other regions as large waves can travel the ocean. The Tsunami Watch does not promise a tsunami for Hawaii or New Zealand, but it is possible. A similar quake in this region led to a small tsunami in Japan back in April 2014. The crippling quake in Japan in 2011 measured a 9.0M.
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