The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that a massive earthquake struck off the coast of northern Chile on Tuesday at around 6:64 P.M. (local time), with its center some 60 miles northwest of Iquique at a depth of 12.5 miles.
Related Article: Tsunami Warning Issued on Chile & Nearby Countries
According to previous reports, authorities put the magnitude at 8.0 and the depth of 6.2 miles. Chile’s National Emergence Office confirmed the news and posted on their official Twitter account asking everyone to evacuate the South American nation’s coast.
The government of Chile with its international counterpart issued an immediate tsunami warning which is now in effect for the South American countries of Chile, Peru and Ecuador.
Tsunami watch was also issued for Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. The authority was quoted as saying “Sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated. It may have been destructive along coasts near the epicenter and could also be a threat to more distant coasts,” the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated on television.
According to initial report from the Chilean media, tsunami waves of more than 6 feet were generated by the earthquake that already washed ashore on the coast of Pisagua, Chile. A 7-foot waves were also reported in Iquiqui, a key copper exporting port, close to the country’s main copper mines.
Chile Earthquake Details: (April 2, 2014)
Time:
2014-04-01 23:46:46 UTC
2014-04-01 18:46:46 UTC-05:00 at epicenter
2014-04-01 16:46:46 UTC-07:00 system time
Location
19.642°S 70.817°W depth=20.1km (12.5mi)
Nearby Cities
95km (59mi) NW of Iquique, Chile
139km (86mi) SSW of Arica, Chile
190km (118mi) SSW of Tacna, Peru
228km (142mi) SSE of Ilo, Peru
447km (278mi) SW of La Paz, Bolivia