At least 16 dead, many injured after massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Chile (Update)

[cali]

February 27th, 2010 - 5:04 pm ICT by BNO News Tell a Friend -

SANTIAGO, CHILE (BNO NEWS) — A massive earthquake struck near Concepcion, Chile on Saturday, seismologists said, causing at least 16 deaths, according to Chilean president Michelle Bachelet.

The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 8.8, was centered about 60 miles northwest of Chillan and 200 miles southwest of Santiago, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It struck at a depth of 21.7 miles at 03.34 a.m. local time.

The capital, Santiago, was without power and phone lines after the earthquake. Reports say there are several buildings damaged in Santiago and many damage near the epicentre.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said in a second report that 16 people were dead after the earthquake. Chilean state TV TVN reported many injured. Bachelet said the government is working and trying to restore the communications.

There were reports of shaking in Argentina, Bolivia and southern Peru.

A tsunami warning is in effect for Chile, Peru and Ecuador, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. A tsunami watch is in effect for Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala in Latin America and for French Polynesia and Pitcairn Islan in the southern Pacific Ocean.

A tsunami was confirmed in Chile, according to President Bachelet. A town near the epicenter was damaged by a tidal wave.

More at : At least 16 dead, many injured after massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Chile (Update) http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world/at-least-16-dead-many-injured-after-massive-88-magnitude-earthquake-in-chile-updated_100327218.html#ixzz0gjNaT4pq

[maddezmom]

1. the weather guy on CNNI is painting a very scary picture of what may be happening

along the coasts. It's summer in Chile(LatAM) and the beaches are normally packed.

[aquart]

2. Twitter has it up to 47. This is very early.

And there is tsunami damage. Which means the rest of the Pacific needs to move back from the shoreline.

[SusanaMontana41]

3. OK, Mother Earth, Haiti and Chile have heard you.

OK, Mother Nature, the East Coast has heard you.

Can you work together and please give these good people a break?

Thanks.

[gleaner]

4. All of these quakes are tragic ...

and they are scaring me senseless. They are subduction quakes which makes the magnitudes high and they are occurring in what geologists call the ring of fire. First Haiti, then the one near Japan and now Chile.

California is part of the ring of fire and while the nearest subduction zone is near Oregon and not California, the San Andreas which is a worthy fault has not let go since about 1850. Aside from knowing how it must be for the survivors of the recent quakes, I know that the much smaller quake we had here in 1994 was severe enough for me.

I hope that we can spare them some relief and help. They will need it desperately.

[malaise]

5. This is a massive quake

but the fact that it was 200 miles from Santiago so the loss of life won't be devastating.
There was also a 7.0 off Japan yesterday.

Now to watch for the tsunami

[MoonRiver]

6. I hear it's heading straight toward Hawaii. Has already caused damage to islands off Chili.

:scared:

[gleaner]

12. I heard about it late last night ...

first news was just coming in and it was still dark and difficult to assess the damage. They had not been able to survey their coast line for tsunami damage and no one had heard much about Conception which was near the epicenter. Hawaii was mentioned in the tsunami alert. Hopefully the damage won't be severe and they do have warning so people near the coast can get to safety. I guess for the rest we have to wait and see.

Tectonic plate activity like this, Haiti, and the event near Japan reminds me of just how much power the earth has. I sometimes feel, especially lately, like it is trying to shake us off like a big dog shakes off fleas.

[kywildcat]

7. Just spoke with my Dear BiL, whose family lives

in Santiago Chile-has not yet heard from them, and they live in a high rise. He's looking for his friends too. He's been trying to call but all lines are down.

[Cal Carpenter]

9. There's someone from Chile posting here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4285641&mesg_id=4285777

This person is in Santiago and it sounds like things are relatively okay there.

I hope you get good news soon!

[kywildcat]

10. Thank you! I hope for BiL he hears something soon too

His parents are elderly and live in a high rise. He has siblings with families. I can't imagine my nephews losing their grandparents.

[tango-tee]

8. All I can offer is this link.

http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/hawaii/2010/hawaii.2010.02.27.104650.txt

Take care, all of you out there!

[Lint Head]

11. It's only 8:45 02/27 here in the Mid West. How can the report be dated

5:04 pm 2/27? Is there that big a difference in time for a South American country? Guess I'm a little dumb in that area.