VIOLENT 8.8 QUAKE ROCKS CHILE; TSUNAMI WARNING ISSUED

February 2010 Articles

Japan also rattled by 7.0 quake today

February 27, 2010 – A powerful earthquake struck Chile off the coast of Maule during the night. The U.S. Geological Survey has upgraded the quake to 8.8. A tsunami warning has been issued for coastal areas in Chile and Peru; a nine-foot tsunami wave has been reported.

The capitol was rocked for a minute and a half. Some buildings have collapsed and electricity is out. Associated Press reports that at least six people have been killed. Unlike Haiti, Chile has many buildings that are built to withstand strong tremors.

A 6.2 aftershock has occurred and another quake measuring 6.6 jolted Chile off the coast of Bio-Bio soon after.

The world’s strongest quake ever (9.5) occurred in Valdivia, Chile in 1960, killing approximately 1,600 people.

Ryuku Islands off Japan were hit by a 7.0 earthquake yesterday as well. The islands include Okinawa Naval Base. An earlier tsunami warning for Japan has been cancelled, but tsunami warnings from the Chilean quake remains in effect.

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